Stony Hill Gardens hosting Orchid Open House

Get your first taste of spring this weekend at the 27th Annual Orchid Open House at Stony Hill Gardens in Chester.

On today, Saturday and Sunday, the open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inclement weather dates are scheduled for March 13 through 15.

The popular annual event features hundreds of varieties and thousands of orchid blooms, in addition to local wines and cheeses to sample and purchase.

“The event attracts new visitors every year, and we also have people who have been coming ever since our very first open house,” said Dale Davis, III, who owns Stony Hill Gardens with his wife, Carol. “People really enjoy the variety we have, as well as the opportunity to speak with our experienced staff and get their plant care and potting questions answered.”

Visitors will be invited to explore the greenhouses at Stony Hill Gardens and feast their eyes on orchid blooms in a wide range of colors and varieties. Many of the orchids are available starting at $25.

The event also boasts free educational talks and demonstrations offered daily, which will cover topics ranging from orchid care to potting. The orchid care seminar will be offered at 11 a.m. all three days, with a potting talk and demonstration at 2 p.m.

“It has been such a harsh, snowy winter, and this is a great opportunity to come in from the cold, enjoy some refreshments, experience beautiful orchids, and get excited for spring,” Davis said.

Guests may also meet Stony Hill’s experts, and ask questions about how to properly grow and care for their orchid plants.

“There are so many different types of orchids, and we’re here to help teach you how to care for the specific plant that you choose for your home…the levels of light or attention they need can vary,” he said.

Free wine tastings will be offered by Ventimiglia Vineyards of Wantage, and cheese samples will be provided by Springhouse Creamery of Fredon, including boursin, a fresh herbed cheese made from the milk of Brown Swiss cows. All wines and cheeses will be available for purchase, and other complimentary refreshments will be served throughout the day.

“We’re all about the Jersey Fresh movement, and we love being able to offer our guests a sample of some of the great food and wines made right here in our state,” he said.

Visitors can also enter to win door prizes valued at $300.

This weekend’s offerings for both home growers and greenhouse hobbyists include popular orchid varieties such as the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, the Cattleya, and the Oncidium.

Other varieties that will be available during the open house include: Cymbidium; Dendrobium; Masdevallia; Miltonia; Odontoglossum; Paphiopedilum, or lady slipper; and Vanda, in addition to numerous intergeneric hybrids.

“A lot of people probably don’t even realize just how many varieties there are…you’ll see orchids here that you may not see anywhere other than a major flower show or botanical garden,” Davis said.

27TH ANNUAL ORCHID OPEN HOUSE

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 6 to 8, snow date March 13 to 15

WHERE: Stony Hill Gardens, 8 Rt. 24, Chester

COST: Free admission

INFORMATION:www.StonyHillFarms.com or 908-879-2696