The judges were invited with hopes of seeing the orchid show - now in its eleventh year - continue to grow and work to bring interesting species of the plant to the public. Visiting orchid experts say they've been very impressed by the local varieties.

Steven Champlin, American Orchid Society Judge, said, "One thing you should look at is the Laelia Jongheana Alba, the one big white one back there, because you will never see it flowered that well probably in your entire life. It's got almost 150 flowers on it. Normally you'll see them with two or three flowers. So, that one would definitely be worthwhile."