Orchid Show this weekend has a new location in Mt. Lebanon

Every year the Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania puts on a spectacular, colorful show of these unique flowers. This year the show has a new home at The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh in Mount Lebanon (it’s only about five minutes past the Fort Pitt Tunnel on McFarland Road).

The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania’s annual Orchid Show has a new location in Mt. Lebanon. This is one of the displays from a previous year. Photos by Katie Shuller

Member Katie Shuller, the orchid manager at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, heard about the group from many of the members who volunteer at the conservatory. She’s one of the people who puts together an intricate and beautiful display at the show, and this will be her third.
“Orchids look exotic to us,” she says. “They have flowers that are not seen regularly, plus they come in captivating shapes and colors.”
The show is free, but donations are appreciated by the society and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Beyond all the orchid exhibits created by the members, there are lots of other attractions, too. It’s a place to learn about growing these plants with free educational seminars, and members are always happy to answer questions. Once you’ve got the information you need it’s time to add a few plants to the indoor garden with nine vendors selling a multitude of varieties and orchid supplies.
You can even bring your own orchids to be repotted for a minimal fee. Most sizes will only cost $5.
Shuller hopes beginners and experts will attend the free show to find something perfect to grow in their homes.
“Anyone can find a favorite,” she says.
The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh is located at 1635 McFarland Road in Mt. Lebanon.
For more information go to oswp.org

The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania’s annual Orchid Show has a new location in Mt. Lebanon.