Massachusetts Orchid Society

**Update as of May 2020, Judging has been cancelled until further notice to address health and safety concerns due to COVID-19**

Orchid societies’ monthly show tables provide a great opportunity for members to show off their blooming plants and see what others are doing. A Judge may comment on the quality or rarity of a plant and suggest that it be brought to an AOS judging center where it may be researched in their records. Unless your plant or inflorescence was AOS judged the day before, you’ll probably never know if it’s awardable but one thing is certain - your plant won’t be awarded if it stays at home. So, what are you waiting for?

An AOS Judging Center is a great place to see how new hybrids are blooming and what new species are coming out of the wilds or even flasks. Hybridizers, whose goal is to make better-looking flowers and plants, get to see what’s working, and, what’s not. All attendees get a first-hand look at the best, most unusual, and even the worst in orchid breeding.

Learning how to judge an orchid begins with a minimum six-year training period; but, with orchids (and orchid judging) constantly evolving, the learning process is ongoing - What was good 5, 10 or 15 years ago may be substandard today. The Judging Program affords exhibitors and judges alike with an opportunity to look at issues like this through informative presentations and lively discussions that precede plant judging. The bottom line is that Judging Centers are in place for the benefit of all orchid interests.

MOS has made a contribution on your behalf to support the AOS Judging Program at the Northeast Regional Centers in Boylston, MA and Morris Township, NJ. The great thing about orchids is that there’s always something in bloom. Please bring your plants and visit us soon. We look forward to seeing you!

Morris Township, NJ

John Sullivan, Chair

Monthly on 3rd Saturday, 12:00 PM

Frelinghuysen Arboretum
353 E. Hanover Ave.
Morris Township, NJ

Boylston, MA

Bob Winkley, Chair
617-282-7351

Monthly on 1st Saturday, 12:00 PM

Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
Boylston, MA
www.towerhillbg.org