Our guests at our April meeting were Colin Thorburn and Bryan Adams from the Orchid Society of East Anglia, both accredited British Orchid Council (BOC) judges, who gave us an introduction to orchid judging. The basics are as follows:
- All plants must have a label and be free from pests or diseases.
- Compare the plans on the table; pick the best four, then rank them in order.
- Judging is based on the plant as it is presented, not as it was or will be.
- Take your time – examine each plant carefully.
- Divide your assessment 50:50 between the plant as a whole and its flowers.
- A perfect plant is very rare.
When comparing a mixed group, look for:
- how the plants rate compared to their potential;
- progressive growth, e.g. successive increase in size of pseudobulbs;
- presentation (staking etc., but not the pot);
- number of flower spikes;
- number of flowers on spikes open and not gone over.
Judges may disagree! But their decision is final.
After this introduction, we formed into small teams to practice judging on a table of Cymbidiums and a mixed table. We could then compare our verdicts with those of the accredited judges.
Well done to Colin and Bryan (with the help of our own Andy Gissing), who made what might have been a rather dry topic stimulating and interesting. Any member interested in becoming a BOC judge should speak to Andy.
Tony Weavers won the Novices table with his Zygopetalum hybrid. Paul Eaton won the Winners table with his Calanthe Brimstone.
