Since buying her first orchid nearly 15 years ago, Rosemarie Scrivener has become somewhat of an expert on the plant. Today, with more than 100 plants in dozens of varieties, she loves to share her knowledge and excitement for growing the species.
Scrivener will be among the local orchid enthusiasts displaying plants at Orchids by the Bay sponsored by the Northwestern Michigan Orchid Society this weekend.
Scrivener insists that anyone can grow the plant which is sometimes perceived as difficult to raise.
"You have to see what conditions you have and try and match the variety of orchids you purchase to the conditions you have,” she said.
Members of the local orchid society will be on hand to answer questions during the event.
"It's best to start with something easy. The vendors will be glad to tell you how to take care of each plant,” Scrivener said.
Commercial and individual growers will create displays of exotic, blooming plants from among the 25,000 known species. An educational exhibit, orchid arrangements, orchid art and photography will also be featured, as well as a variety of plants for purchase.
Orchids by the Bay will be held from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City. Admission is free.