Exotic flowers are often thought to be found in places like tropical forests, secluded islands or foreign flower gardens–not bustling cities like Baton Rouge. Although there is a lack of exotic rainforests here, the Baton Rouge Orchid Society is bringing a little bit of that landscape to the city with its annual Orchid Show and Sale this weekend, July 9 and 10. The free show will be held at the Burden Conference Center at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens on Essen Lane and will be open to the public. Many varieties of orchids in different shapes, sizes and colors will be on display from 9 a.m to 5 p.m on Saturday, July 9, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. Vendors from all over the Gulf Coast region will have a variety of orchids for sale, ranging from seedlings to those already blooming.

While attendees peruse the orchid arrangements, there will be a competition for flowers and displays judged by certified members from the American Orchid Society. A potting demonstration will be held every two hours, and visitors can watch or bring their own plant to repot. All of the potting supplies will be provided by the Orchid Society, and guests are limited to one plant to repot. Members of the Orchid Society will be on hand to answer visitor questions, advise on flower purchases and offer other assistance. Look for people wearing “Ask Me About Orchids” buttons or Orchid Society T-shirts.

Admission is free. For further information, visit batonrougeorchidsociety.com.