Unusual orchids up for bid

SAN MARCOS — it’s time again to see and buy the best of local and foreign orchids at the Palomar Orchid Society’s auction.

The auction this year will begin with a preview showing at 10 a.m. and the auction starting at 11 a.m. May 17, at the Lake Pavilion, 1105 La Bonita Drive.  The auction is the nonprofit society’s only fundraiser for the year and will feature more than 200 orchids from around the world.

The public will have an opportunity to bid on and purchase orchids not usually seen in local nurseries and home improvement stores. One of the things this auction provides is a chance to own a unique orchid.

Expect to see orchids from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador and Hawaii.  Hybrid orchids as well as species will be available.

Society members will be on hand to answer questions about orchid culture and cultivation.  With more than 70 members, the Palomar Orchid Society was created to promote interest in and appreciation of orchids, to provide opportunities to display orchids and to exchange and disseminate information about orchids. The Society meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion, San Marcos.  For more information, visit palomarorchid.org.