St. George Village Botanical Garden

The St. Croix Orchid Society hosted their Orchid Show – “20/20 A Vision of Orchids” for the second year in the Great Hall at St George Village Botanical Garden.

The event had brief hours on Friday afternoon and then that evening members of the Orchid Society, including President Susan Kraeger, were involved in providing private tours for guests attending a SGVBG fundraiser called An Enchanted Evening at the Garden.

The opening night of The 49th St. Croix Orchid Society Show started with a very “Enchanted Evening ” in our garden. 54 Attendees enjoyed cocktails including a Peach Bellini, Champagne, and signature cocktail “The Cruzan Rum Wild Orchid” along with passed hors’ d’oeuvres in front of the Orchid House.

Docents from The Orchid Society brought guests into The Great Hall to hear President of The St Croix Orchid Society, Susan Kraeger, share the history of Orchid Show and invite the crowd to view the award winning display. Executive Director of the Garden, Dewey Hollister, then led the group through a torch lit path to the magical Wedding Garden.

The Garden was professionally lit by KDM Productions. Our friend, Kamal Russell, did an outstanding job highlighting plants, trees and ruins. Bistro lights ran over the 60 foot farm table that was adorned in fresh orchid and moss, tablescape created by Beatrice Ramos, owner of Wild Orchid.

The three-course dinner was prepared by Chef Lisa Coates of Café Christine and paired with wine from our friends at Southern Glaziers Wine and Spirits. Sparking Perrier was donated from our friends at Cost u Less.

Finally, Janis Bobeck invited guests for a sweet bite and Champagne while listening to John Kim play. Guest lingered as none wanted this magical night to end.

Board Chairs Janis Bobeck and Leslie Stillwagon worked with Amy DeSorbo, Director of Events and Rentals, and all were over joyed with the success of the event. It truly highlighted our garden as a premium event venue in the territory.

The Orchid show was judged by members of the American Orchid Society and the Puerto Rico Orchid Society.  It was a very good showing for 2020. 

Twenty seven special awards were given by the SCOS and six highly coveted American Orchid Society awards were given. The largest number of AOS awards to date! Excitingly, the AOS Show Trophy was awarded for the best display in the show to SCOS Vice President Michelle Thurland-Martinez for her floor display “A Simple Vision.”

Next year will be the 50^th year for the St. Croix Orchid Society, a momentous occasion!