A Blooming Tradition: Orchid Show Draws Crowds to the Botanic Park

By Christopher Tobutt

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park was awash with colour, curiosity, and quiet delight on Sunday, 29 March, as the annual Orchid Show and Sale once again drew hundreds of visitors—some seasoned orchid lovers, others discovering the magic of these remarkable plants for the first time. Though the orchids on display and for sale were not Cayman’s native species, the event served its dual purpose beautifully: raising essential funds for the park while celebrating one of nature’s most captivating families of plants.

If there is a single word to describe the atmosphere, it might be infectious enthusiasm. Orchid people have a way of drawing newcomers into their world. As the late Kirkland Nixon OBE, one of the visionaries behind the Botanic Park, once told me, orchids “have a personality,” and it is remarkably easy to fall in love with them. Judging by the crowds, many did.

Learning the Art of Orchid Care

Volunteer Shena Ebanks spent the day guiding new buyers through the basics of keeping their orchids healthy. “I’m helping them with beginner orchid care, based on the type of orchid they have selected,” she explained, pausing between questions from eager plant parents.

The most popular orchids at the show were Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Vandas, and Cattleyas — all imported from three approved growers in Florida. Cayman’s own Banana Orchid, the national flower, was also a topic of conversation, as this is the time of year when it begins to spike before blooming in April and May.

For those who chose a Phalaenopsis, Shena offered a simple but essential rule: watch the roots. “They have an inbuilt gauge to tell you when they’re thirsty,” she said. “If the roots look silvery, they need water. If they’re green or greenish silver, they’re still fine.” Overwatering, she warned, is the most common mistake, leading to root rot. Once a week is usually enough — or as needed, based on the roots.

She also shared a tip for getting more blooms out of a plant: “If the stalk is still green, don’t clip it back even if the flowers fall off. It can still produce flower spikes from the little nodes.”

As for feeding, restraint is key. “Most orchids are very sensitive, and too much fertilizer can burn the roots. I usually do a quarter teaspoon of soluble fertilizer to a gallon of water.”

A Day Out for All Ages

Among the happy customers was first time visitor Hannah Croll, who came with her grandmother. “My sister, Raegan, told me about the orchid show this weekend and suggested I bring our grandmother, Nini, out with me to buy some orchids,” she said, already cradling her new plant. She expects to be back next year—another future enthusiast in the making.

Botanic Park General Manager John Lawrus noted that the Orchid Show has been part of Cayman’s community calendar for more than 25 years. “It’s just a great day out at the Botanic Park,” he said. “We keep our pricing down—just ten dollars for adults and five for children. In addition to the orchids and all their wonderful colours, we’ve got music by Dexter Bodden, and of course the entire Botanic Park to enjoy.”

Lawrus emphasized that the event is not only a celebration of beauty but also a vital fundraiser. Proceeds support ongoing projects, especially the continued development of the Orchid Boardwalk, one of the park’s signature attractions. Volunteers from the Cayman Islands Orchid Society and the Orchid Club of the Cayman Islands play a crucial role in making the event possible.

More Than a Sale—A Community Ritual

Over the decades, the Orchid Show has grown into something more than a plant sale. It is a gathering of people who share a quiet appreciation for resilience, colour, and the small joys of tending something living. It is also a place where newcomers catch the spark — where curiosity becomes interest, and interest becomes affection.

Call it fascination, call it enchantment, call it the beginning of a gentle obsession. Whatever it is, it was alive and well at the Botanic Park on Sunday.

Photo Captions: As per each photo label