Cymbidium orchid auction open to public

Here’s a chance to take home some exquisite outdoor orchids while helping a local club.

On Wednesday, June 28, the Sacramento Valley Cymbidium Society will host its annual orchid auction and end of season celebration at Shepard Garden and Arts Center. The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Get there early to register for the auction.

Under club rules, only SVCS members can bid in the auction. Not a member? Not a problem! New members can join at the door.

SVCS president Jeff Trimble, a renowned orchid judge, will serve as auctioneer. The plants to be auctioned were grown and donated by local club members. All sales benefit the society and help the club cope with rising rent and other costs. (Checks or cash, please.)

Since the plants were locally grown, these cymbidiums should be well acclimated to life in Sacramento.

Cymbidium orchids are among the easiest to grow and get to rebloom. Native to the foothills of the Himalayas, they can take some cold (but not frost) as well as heat. They love living outdoors most of the year in Sacramento and thrive in our climate. After plants spend a summer outside, cold nights in fall spur the development of new flower spikes.

The key to cymbidium success: Water, light and nutrients. They need frequent watering during their summer growing season and prefer bright shade with filtered sun. Direct, full sun will burn their leaves.

Learn a lot more during Wednesday’s meeting and auction.

Shepard Center is located at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento, in McKinley Park.