Plant enthusiasts interested in buying or learning more about the mysterious and rare orchid will have the chance to do so this month.

The Bermuda Orchid Society members were disappointed that the Annual Exhibition was cancelled this year. Orchid growers usually get the chance to show off their hard work at the exhibition. Instead the society decided to have its own show.

?This is the first ever public sale of orchids by the Bermuda Orchid Society and it is a rare opportunity for the public to buy orchids,? said society president Deanna Smith.

Orchids aren?t available in Bermuda because of the mounds of paper work that goes along with bringing them to the Island, she explained.

The judge for the show will be bringing the plants in from Massachusetts. Before the orchids ever reach the hands of an avid gardener they will be scrutinised and inspected by the Plant Protection Laboratory.

?The plants will be inspected because there are so many rare and endangered species so they have to be checked,? she explained.

She added that Bermuda?s climate is ?conducive? to growing orchids.

?In most areas of the world people have to grow orchids in climate controlled green houses. They will stay in bloom for about two or three months and our climate is quite conducive to growing them.?

Orchids were once rare and costly and many people still have the impression that they are difficult plants to grow.

The plants can survive a long time if neglected but the flowers habitat must be duplicated. The flowers grow in trees and rocks and do not require soil.

The show will be held at Peace Lutheran Church Hall on April 24 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Orchid experts and Bermuda Orchid Society members will be on hand to help pot plants that are sold and help with any questions about growing orchids.

The Orchid Society also holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month except July and August. Meetings involve a bench show where members display their plants. Membership costs $25 for the first orchid and $15 for Society membership.