Orchid Quest
to
Monona Terrace 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Linda Falkenstein
A close-up of an orchid.
Orchid Quest has been stuffing itself into Olbrich Gardens for a few years now, and it’s finally moving to more spacious quarters. This two-day blowout from the Orchid Growers of Madison is the tropical getaway you need. Buying an orchid for your loved one before Valentine’s Day isn’t a bad idea either. Prize-winning orchids of many Midwestern and other U.S. greenhouses are on display, and you can get growing tips right from the grower. Talks both days cover such essential topics as repotting, orchids native to Wisconsin (they exist), and general growing FAQs. Kids activities are also available (note, kids are often less fascinated by these sexy plants than are grownups). Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Feb. 1 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Feb. 2; find more info at orchidgrowersguild.org.
media release: The Midwest's largest orchid show and sale! Expanding to Monona Terrace. Thousands of orchids on display and for sale, with lectures, workshops, kids activities, and more. SAT 10-5; SUN 10-3. Adults $10 | Students $7 | Children <5 Free | Parking $5
ORCHID QUEST has something for everyone! It is the Upper Midwest's largest orchid show and sale, featuring thousands of exotic orchids on display and for sale to the public. The event showcases individual plants and group exhibits designed by orchid clubs from Wisconsin and neighboring states that are judged at the national level by the American Orchid Society.
Commercial vendors include specialty orchid nurseries from across the USA and overseas, artists, and businesses selling a variety of orchid growing supplies for the greenhouse and home grower. Raffles and a silent auction take place both days and a free plant check is available. Educational lectures and demonstrations are included with admission and feature professional orchid growers sharing their experience and knowledge. Orchid Ambassadors are on site both days to answer all your orchid related questions and enhance your show experience; there is even a children’s area with fun games and prizes for the kids!
SCHEDULED EDUCATION PROGRAMS
SATURDAY
11:00 am – “Principles of Orchid Growing” Professor Ken Cameron, UW-Madison
12:00 pm – “Orchid Q&A” Chuck Acker, commercial orchid grower
1:00 pm – “Orchid Potting Demonstration” Terri Jozwiak, Chair of Orchid Quest
2:00 pm – “Panel Discussion on Orchid Growing” local orchid growers
SUNDAY
11:00 am – “Principles of Orchid Growing” Professor Ken Cameron, UW-Madison
12:00 pm – “Orchid Q&A” Chuck Acker, commercial orchid grower
1:00 pm – “Native Wisconsin Orchids” Scott Weber, Bluestem Farms
2:00 pm – “Repot What You Bought” Sue Reed, President, Orchid Growers Guild
PARTICIPATING SOCIETIES AND VENDORS
Batavia Orchid Society (Batavia, IL)
Eastern Iowa Orchid Society (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Illinois Orchid Society (Chicago, IL)
Orchid Grower's Guild (Madison, WI)
Wisconsin Orchid Society (Milwaukee, WI)
The Grateful Gardener
ORCHID QUEST 2025 THANKS OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Felly’s Flowers and Garden Center
Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses
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