The 2009 Paphiopedilum Forum

The 29th Annual Paph. Forum took place yesterday at the National Arboretum, and was very well attended. Participants outside of the Virginia and Maryland region included those who travelled from New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. Guest speakers included Terry Root, Alfredo Manrique, Bryan Ramsay and John Salventi. Exhibitor ribbon judging and AOS judging kept several teams busy. Marriott Orchids won a multitude of Exhibitor and AOS awards.

I have yet to try growing these genera, but may try a few in the future someday. In the meantime, the Paph. Forum is the best environment in this region to learn more about Paph. and Phrag. hybridizing trends and plant culture. It was a fun day.

Sales area




























Pics from around the exhibit hall










































Paph. Lippewunder 'Golden Flowers'




























Category: Best Ugly Slipper














Phrag. bessiae hybrids














Paph. Kolosand














Paph. Mt. Toro














Paph. malipoense 'Double Mint'














Paph. venustum 'Emerald Sun' S/19WOC














Paph. villosum, exhibited by Kirk King