HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS ON GETTING YOUR PLANTS READY FOR SHOWS   The show season is already upon us, and there are many exciting shows happening this spring. We are really fortunate that quite a few are local. There is the Lansing show in late February, the Ann Arbor Society show, the Ann Arbor Flower show, and our Palm Sunday show to name a few. Orchid shows give us a wonderful opportunity to look at and sometimes help set up beautiful displays. Shows also give us an opportunity to see plants in bloom we are perhaps not familiar with, to socialize with our orchid growing friends, and of course to shop. Exhibits and shows give us another wonderful opportunity; to show off those beautiful plants we have been nurturing all year. It is an exciting feeling to receive a ribbon on one of your plants. Here are some tips to help make it easier to bring a ribbon home. § Once the plant is in bud, try not to move the light source, or change the plants orientation to the light, as this could cause some of the flowers to turn. § Some inflorescence need to be gently staked early, so they grow upright and arc gracefully, as opposed to sprawling awkwardly. § When staking a plant you want to show, it's best to be as inconspicuous as possible. A stake that's much taller than it needs to be is hard to conceal and takes away from the flower. Also, wire stakes can be covered with floral tape if you really want to hide them. § Pull off any dead sheathing and dead leaves. Dead leaf tips can be trimmed with a sterile cutting tool, if they are unsightly. § The leaves can be cleaned with a rag dampened with milk. This adds a nice sheen and is harmless. Don't ever use a commercial leaf shine product. § Take off the pot hangers, if at all possible. § Take your plant out of any decorative pot or basket that its not planted in. If the pot is setting in a cache pot or basket, it can become unstable while traveling, and these are covered up during a show anyway. § Some people put their names and addresses on their plants, this is easy with mailing labels and tape. § Pack your plants securely in boxes. Newspaper can help keep the from sliding around. § It helps to write your name on your boxes, particularly if you want them back. § Fill out the plant registration tags that are available at the meetings before shows. If you have trouble classifying your plant, don't feel alone, and don't hesitate to ask someone for help. Enclose the tags, a list of your plants, your name, address, and telephone number, and whose house you will be picking your plants up at in your box with your plants. § Plants tend to dry out at shows, so water and drain them well before you box them. Good luck! ****************************************** Respectfully Submitted, Marie Carlson