Orchids galore!

When journalist and BSBI member Jean Stowe got in touch recently to tell me about an international orchid show being held in London in April, my first thought was - if it's not about British or Irish wild orchids, then News & Views readers may not be interested. 

Orchid Show in the RHS Lawrence Hall.
Image courtesy of  RHS/Sarah Cuttle

But then she mentioned that it would be held at Kew and that Dr Mike Fay was involved, so my ears pricked up. Mike was one of Pete Stroh's co-authors on the recent England Red List which was launched at Kew last September.

And he is a BSBI member (hardly surprising!), an orchid expert and an all-round good egg! So I asked Jean to tell us a bit more about the event and I'm glad I did - check out her note below about the lecture programme. And while you are on the Kew website, why not take a look at their new science strategy, launched just last night.

Over to Jean:

The orchid world comes to London.

The forthcoming European Orchid Show & Conference will be hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society from 8-12th April. For full details visit eoclondon2015.org.uk Booking is open to all, from the website or by telephone (credit card only) 0844 776 67777

Mike Fay (left) with  Tim Rich at the launch of the
England Red List, Jodrell Theatre, Kew, 2014.
Image: BSBI Publicity Team

The lecture programme in London and at Kew has more than 50 speakers covering the latest research on taxonomy, genetics, pollination and mycorrhizae of orchids. BSBI member Mike Fay leads the Orchid Conservation session on 9^th April at the Jodrell Laboratory lecture theatre, Kew. Sponsors include The Linnean Society of London.

The show in the RHS Halls in Westminster from 9^th-12^th April has attracted more than 70 exhibitors representing 12 countries. Educational displays explain research and conservation projects. On all four days there are repotting demonstrations and short lecture sessions on the dais.

A social programme will enable delegates to interact and exchange ideas. There’s a Preview and official opening on Wednesday 8^th and The Gala Dinner is at the Royal College of Physicians on Saturday 11^th. The college has a medicinal garden with more than 1000 plants including those used as medicines when the College published its first Pharmacopoeia in 1618. The college’s rare books will be on display. Conference tours include behind the scenes visits to see orchid growing at RHS Garden Wisley and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

Thanks Jean. STOP PRESS Ethnobotanist and BSBI member Susanne Masters will also be speaking at the event. Check out the programme for Susanne's talk on edible orchids on 12th April.