First Class certificate (FCC)-Awarded to an orchid species or hybrid which scores 90 points or more

Award of Merit (AM)-Awarded to an orchid species or hybrid which scores 80-89 points inclusive

Highly Commended Certificate (HCC)-Awarded to an orchid species or hybrid which scores 75-79 points inclusive

Judges’ Commendation (JC)-Awarded to flowers or plants, individually or in groups, for a distinctive characteristic of aspect of historical or other importance which, in the opinion of the judges, is worthy of recognition.

Award of  Distinction (AD)-Awarded once to a cross, exhibited individually or collectively, representing a worthy new direction in breeding

Award of Quality (AQ)-Awarded once to a strain (the result of a mating of specific cultivars

Certificate of Cultural Excellence (CCE)-Awarded to the exhibitor of a specimen plant of robust health and appearance with an unusually large number of flowers.  The plant must have been in the care of the exhibitor at least six months immediately prior to the award.  The plant must score at least 90 points on the point scale.

Certificate of Cultural Merit (CCM)-Awarded to the exhibitor of a specimen plant of robust health and appearance with an unusually large number of flowers. The plant must have been in the care of the exhibitor at least six months immediately prior to the award.  The plant must score between 80-89 points inclusive on the point scale.

Certificate of Horticultural  Merit (CHM)-Awarded to a cultivar of a species or natural hybrid with outstanding esthetic appeal that contributes to the horticultural aspects of orchidology. The entire plant must be exhibited and not just the inflorescence and the plant and flowers displayed should be in good condition and have sufficient flowers to judge the horticultural merit of the plant. This certificate may be awarded more than once if a plant has characteristics significantly desirable and different from other awarded cultivars. The distinctive features of the cultivar must be clearly described, measurements recorded and the country of origin should be noted, if known. The award should not be granted to a cultivar, which has previously received a Certificate of Botanical Merit (an award that has been discontinued). A score of at least 80 points on the point scale. This award is granted provisionally and filed with the judging center chair pending the exhibitor supplying full taxonomic verification by a taxonomist acceptable to the AOS as published annually in AQ Plus under the heading “AOS Taxonomic Authorities”. The name of the taxonomic authority must be included in the description when it is submitted. Although taxonomic verification need not be presented prior to an award being granted, if it was previously obtained, it should be accepted when the plant is judged. If such verification is not received within one year, the judging center chair must disallow the award unless there is satisfactory evidence that the question of verification is being actively pursued by a taxonomist. A species or natural hybrid shall not receive, at the same judging, a CBR and a CHM. Although taxonomic verification need not be presented prior to an award being granted, if it was previously obtained, it should be accepted when the plant is judged. Once an award has been cleared it will be allowed to stand, regardless of subsequent name changes resulting from taxonomic changes or award challenges. If such verification is not received within one year, the judging center chair must disallow the award unless there is satisfactory evidence that the question of verification is being actively pursued by a taxonomist. A species or natural hybrid shall not receive a CBR and a CHM at the same judging.

]]> http://www.nmog.org/2010/04/09/american-orchid-society-judging/feed/ http://www.nmog.org/2010/04/09/annual-show-at-botanic-garden/ http://www.nmog.org/2010/04/09/annual-show-at-botanic-garden/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 07:26:58 +0000 admin http://www.nmog.org/?p=943 April 30-May2

New Mexico Orchid Guild Annual Show at the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens

Click Flier

Orchid Odyssey: An Adventurous Journey into the World of Orchids

No other plant has elicited the passion of people around the world as orchids have. These exotic flowers with their pervasive allure have been sought after and collected in almost every part of the world. Years ago these beauties were coveted possessions only for the rich.  Today they are accessible to all, obtained inexpensively and easily cultivated in any home or office. Young and old can explore these astonishing plants as the New Mexico Orchid Guild returns to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, April 30-May 2, 2010.

All weekend there will be activities for adults and children, including a lecture by Bryce Augustine, owner of Monsoon Flora Orchids, an orchid re-potting demonstration by Steve Fischer, President of the New Mexico Orchid Guild and an orchid arranging demonstration by Jason Seo of Osuna Nursery. Hundreds of orchids with their brilliant colors, fanciful shapes and intoxicating fragrances will be on display in the Mediterranean Conservatory where visitors can feel transported to far away places. There will be orchid plants for sale, the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.  Children under twelve years of age will be able to create their own orchid terrarium on Saturday and Sunday morning.  Additionally, visitors will be able to enjoy Orchid Photography and Orchid Art as well as lectures by orchid experts.

Orchid Odyssey Information

NMOG Meeting April 11, 1:30 p.m. BLM Building

“Getting Your Plants Groomed for a Show”

Steve Fischer, our president, will instruct us in the art of grooming plants for shows.

• Orchids on Display 11 a.m.-5p.m. in Mediterranean Conservatory
• Orchid Judging 9:30-11 a.m. (Closed to public)
• Orchids for Sale in Showroom 9 a.m. -5- p.m.
• Orchid Art and Photography on Display in Education Building 11 a.m.-5p.m.

Saturday, May1

• Orchids on Display 9 a.m.-5p.m. in Mediterranean Conservatory
• Orchids for Sale in Showroom 9 a.m. -5- p.m.
• Orchid Art and Photography on Display in Education Building 3 p.m.-5p.m.
• Kids Orchid Project 10 a.m. Courtyard by entrance gate
• Bryce Augustine, “Orchid Odyssey: An Adventurous Journey for All Growers,” 1:30 p.m. Education Building
• Re-potting demonstration by Steve Fischer, 3:00 p.m. Moorish Garden

Sunday, May2

• Orchids on Display 9 a.m.-5p.m. in Mediterranean Conservatory
• Orchids for Sale in Showroom 9 a.m. -5- p.m.
• Orchid Art and Photography on Display in Education Building 9 a.m.-3p.m.
• Kids Orchid Project 10 a.m. Courtyard by entrance gate
• Jason Seo, “Orchid Power,” 3 p.m. Education Building

He shared wonderful tales of viewing orchids in the the Amazon basin, an often times dangerous vocation.  He explained the different climate conditions in the various habitats of the Amazon basin and translated this information for the orchid hobbiest who is trying to grow Brazilian species.  It was a wonderful afternoon.

Benefits of Membership

• Monthly newsletter
• Special Discounts on Orchids
• 15% Discount at Osuna Nursery
• Camaraderie with Fellow Orchid Lovers