In every registrants congress bag we are going to have a seedling (like the ones below) at the age of two, which is ready to be potted out. We have just reserved our order of jars to put them in and it is my job to get them ready.

Several people have asked whether they need to pre-book tickets for the orchid show. Pre-booking is not required for either the Friday preview evening or the Saturday and Sunday show days. Just turn up and pay on the door. We look forward to welcoming you in October.

There are just three weeks to go until Britain’s National Orchid Show (the British Orchid Congress) opens at Writhlington School.

Watch this page to keep up to date with all the info between now and October 26th.

Show opening:

Friday 26th October 6-9.30pm Preview evening (this costs £12 including the buffet) tickets are available on the door and there are no limits on numbers.

Saturday 9am-5pm (£5 on the door) why not arrive early for to see the displays at their best.

Sunday 10am-5pm (£5 on the door)

We have had requests for detailed congress timings and so here they are.

• Friday 26th October
  • 6pm – 9pm Preview evening (plant sales, welcome address and chip buffet)
  • (note that BBC TV cameras and Monty Don will be present all day Friday)
• Saturday 27th October
  • Judges Breakfast 6-7am
  • Judging 7-9am
  • Show open to public 9am-5pm
  • Congress dinner 6.30pm- 10pm
• Sunday 28th October
  • Show open 10am – 4pm
  • Break down 4-6pm

We have started to engrave the trophies for BOC, which I have designed. This is the first one we have done and there are plenty to follow.