The Irish Orchid Society’s Spring Show Blooms Again

For lovers of rare beauty, the orchid has long been a symbol of elegance, mystery, and botanical artistry.

After a seven-year slumber this March, the Irish Orchid Society’s much-anticipated Spring Show will once again unfurl its petals, transforming The National Botanic Gardens into a sanctuary of exotic blooms and horticultural wonder.

This free event, taking place on March 1 and 2, is more than an exhibition. It is a celebration of nature’s most enigmatic flowers, where delicate petals meet scientific passion. Orchid collectors, botanical artists, and curious visitors alike will find themselves immersed in a world where orchids are not just admired but understood.

This year’s show welcomes Challen Willemsen, a Guatemalan ecologist whose conservation work has earned him recognition from the American Orchid Society. Fresh from exploring the lush and untamed habitats of Central and South America, Willemsen will guide visitors on a breathtaking journey through the world of neotropical orchids, illuminating the fragile ecosystems that sustain them.

A Meeting of Science and Art

The Spring Show is more than a floral spectacle. It is a place where botany meets creativity. Visitors will encounter:

• A hands-on "Orchid Surgery" where struggling houseplants are given new life under expert care.
• A stunning collection of botanical art featuring works by acclaimed Irish artists Susan Sex and Deborah Lambkin.
• Rare historic botanical illustrations from the NBG Library Archive.
• An exploration of Ireland’s wild orchids led by renowned expert Brendan Sayers.

For those enchanted by orchids but hesitant about their care, David Morse, Chair of the Irish Orchid Society, will host a practical workshop on keeping these delicate plants thriving at home. Whether you are nurturing a temperamental Phalaenopsis or eager to discover Ireland’s own native orchid species, this is an opportunity to learn from the best.

The show opens its doors on Saturday, March 1, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and on Sunday, March 2, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at The Visitor Centre in The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.

Admission is free, with donations warmly welcomed to support the Society’s work.

After a long absence, the Irish Orchid Society’s Spring Show returns not just as an event but as a testament to the enduring magic of orchids.