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They just look high maintenance

No green thumb is required to grow orchids, the subject of a weekend show and sale that expands this year.

By STEPHANIE HAYES
Published March 31, 2006

Orchids are kind of like potato chips, to hear Jo Anne Hartzler tell it - you can't have just one.

"A lot of people will say they just have to have one more because very few orchids look alike," said Hartzler, president of the Tampa Bay Orchid Society. "There are so many different species and genres of orchids."

Those itching to score another flower or learn more about orchids can check out this weekend's orchid show and sale, "A Tropical Celebration."

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the society has expanded its show and moved it from a garden center on Bayshore Boulevard to the 10,000-square-foot ballroom at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center on Nine Eagles Drive.

"Personally, I wanted to change the show," Hartzler said. Past shows focused on sales, but she wanted to "educate the public on orchids" this year.

Guests can get growing and potting tips; buy supplies, souvenir photos and snacks; and even bring their own orchids to be judged by representatives from the American Orchid Society.

Orchids will be on sale, and artistic and educational items will be displayed at 35 booths. The orchids available for sale will flourish in Florida's heat, Hartzler said.

There are as many as 20,000 species of orchids around the world. The sturdy plants grow wildly in nature but can thrive in the house, even at the hands of the weakest gardener.

"Orchids are very durable plants," Hartzler said. "They can go with great neglect for long periods of time."

Even if you don't have a knack for horticulture, Hartzler said, the orchid show still holds appeal.

"People who are not necessarily into orchids can walk into the room and just be in awe of how beautiful it is."

Stephanie Hayes can be reached at 813 269-5303 or shayes@sptimes.com.

[Last modified March 30, 2006, 14:49:37]