Yes our monthly judging are open to anyone whether you are exhibiting a plant or just interested in the discussion.
Our monthly judging consist a judge researching the plant and presenting their research. We ask owners to remain anonymous for fairness until the plant has been judged. No commentary is permitted while judging is going on. Exhibitors may be engaged if the Judging Chair asks for comments from the plant owner at the conclusion of judging.
If your plant receives an award, be proud and accept the kudos for your efforts. If the plant does not already have a cultivar name, you will be asked for one so you may want to think about that ahead of time.
If you wish to exhibit a plant please bring your orchid in flower to the monthly judging. You will be asked to fill out an entry form.
Keep in mind the following to prepare your plant for judging. A few weeks prior to an AOS judging event, prepare the candidate plant to present it in its best light by cutting away dead or decaying material, removing damaged leaves and leaf litter from the pot, and inspecting for pests. Plants with pests or disease may be screened and not proceed any further in the judging process.
Stake it early to present the flowers well as they bloom. Pay attention to orientation of the pot in relationship to the sun’s movement as the buds emerge. Keeping the plant to the same orientation any time you move it will help prevent the flowers from twisting in awkward directions as they bloom.
The exhibitor of the winning plant will receive a copy of the award form with a unique award number. If the plant does not already have a clonal name the exhibitor will choose one.
The plant will be photographed.
The judging center will then process the award, and send the award and photograph to the awards registrar for processing.
Once processed, you will receive an emailed invoice (If you do not have email, you will receive your copy in the mail).
To pay for the award, you can either follow the link on the invoice (if you are a member) or purchase it through website in the online shop, mail the invoice back with your check/money order/credit card information, or you can call the AOS office, 305-740-2010, and they will process your credit card payment over the phone.
Once your award is paid for, you will be sent your official award certificate and you may also ask for a digital copy of the award photograph for your personal use.
The award will be included in OrchidPro, the official registry of all American Orchid Society Awards, and will be published in Orchids magazine the following year.
The NEJC judges are passionate about orchids. We are a diverse group and welcome all who share that passion and thirst for an experience that allows for life long learning.
We encourage all prospective students to observe the process firsthand. Here are a few things you can do to learn more:
Clerk at a monthly judging
Participate in ribbon judging at AOS sanctioned shows where you will work with accredited judges
Speak to an NEJC judge
Use the contact us page of this website.
The NEJC supports judging of AOS sanctioned orchid shows by request and 'outreach' judgings as part of their ongoing commitment to engaging the AOS-affiliated orchid societies and the orchid growing public. This service, both practical and educational, is only available to AOS-affiliated orchid societies or orchid societies looking to be affiliated with the AOS within the NEJC region. Contact the NEJC for more information.