“Orchids for All Seasons,” the 54th annual St. Croix Orchid Society’s show, was held in the Bodine Center at St. George Village Botanical Garden on St. Croix. Enthusiasts luxuriated in the ambience of orchids, large and small, in rich jewel-toned colors.
“The show was extremely well supported by our local community as well as by visitors to our island. We even had individuals from our sister island of St. Thomas coming over specifically to enjoy our show,” St. Croix Orchid Society President Angelita Ortiz said.
Vendors from both St. Croix and Puerto Rico offered a wide selection of plants and orchid-themed jewelry for sale. Many of those attending left with bags full of plants to add to their collections. Vendors were Aly Gia Day Orchids, EZ Greens Orchids, E Orchids, and Creations “4” Jyla.
Judges of The American Orchid Society from the Puerto Rico Judging Center, Carlos Fighetti, AOS/PRJC; Jose Fernandez, AOS/PRJC; Egardo Pauneto, AOS/PRJC; and Edwin Perez, AOS/PRJC, flew to St. Croix on Friday to evaluate and select winners.
The show was judged in accordance with the American Orchid Society criteria and was registered with them. The plants and blooms in the show were measured against worldwide AOS standards. Each variety of orchid has clear criteria set out in the judging handbook to determine how they will be rated.
The AOS recognizes over 30,000 species of orchids. Orchids in this show were judged against orchids in the same class. First-place winners received a trophy and a blue ribbon. Second place received a red ribbon, and third place received a white ribbon. Additionally, there were seven very coveted AOC awards given this year.
Luther Edwards was the “Orchids for All Seasons” honoree. Luther has more than 800 orchids in his collection, which have won ribbons, trophies, and AOC awards in large numbers over the years. This year, Edwards won the President’s Award along with Michelle Thurland Martinez for the display “V.I. Winter.”
The 2026 prestigious AOS Awards were given to:
Education Award – Marjorie Samuels for Learn, Grow, Bloom. Orchid care for Our Island.
Show Trophy – Aly Gia Day Orchids
Individual Flower Awards
Luther Edwards – Den. Little Green Apple
Rudy O’Reily – Epi Clilare
Jose Hernandez – Paph Apres Midi
Sonia Dowe – Onc. Tai
The SCOS was founded March 1, 1963, with seven members. By July, there were 25 charter members. AOS formally accepted the group as affiliate members that same year. Those interested can join and attend monthly meetings at the SGVBC Bodine Center to explore various aspects of orchid cultivation and meet other orchid enthusiasts. Information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/269935946370080.
Shows have been held in a number of locations over 54 years. These include the Lutheran Church Lord God of Sabbath Hall on King Street, the Buccaneer Resort, the American Legion Hall on Hospital Street, the Great Hall at the University of the Virgin Islands and now at the St. George Village Botanical Garden’s Bodine Center.
“I would like to give our appreciation and thanks to the St. George Village Botanical Garden for allowing us to use the Bodine Center. And a big thanks to our members who came and volunteered and supported this show in many ways.” Ortiz said.
