Alan Koch – Gold Country Orchids (CA)

Internationally known for breeding compact and miniature Cattleyas. Alan has written for AOS and Orchid Digest and is a sought-after speaker and judge with over 250,000 orchids in cultivation.

Jim Roberts – Florida SunCoast Orchids (FL)

Award-winning hybridizer with 235+ registered crosses. Jim’s creations in the Cattleya alliance are colorful, unique, and easy to grow. Recipient of the AOS Hybridizer of the Year award.

Phillip Hamilton Bredren Orchids, Apopka, FL

Biography

Phillip Hamilton was born and raised in Jamaica, where he inherited his father’s love for orchids and spent his early years working in the family’s nursery, Hamlyn Orchids. While his father focused on Jamaican native Broughtonia species and their hybrids, Phillip found his own passion in Phalaenopsis, a genus he began growing and hybridizing at the age of eight.

He pursued both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida in Gainesville and currently serves as a Senior Judge for the American Orchid Society (AOS).

Professionally, Phillip has worked as a grower and manager for two major orchid production nurseries in Central Florida. In 2013, he founded Bredren Orchids, initially as a part-time venture to share his unique Phalaenopsis and Broughtonia hybrids. Since 2017, he has dedicated himself full-time to the business, with the valued support of his wife, Liz. Together, they are working to expand Bredren Orchids beyond its current mail-order model.

Phillip will be offering a variety of plants for sale, including novelty Phalaenopsis species and hybrids, along with select Cattleya, Brassavola, and their related hybrids.

Sarah Hurdel
Owner of Needmore Orchids

Sarah Hurdel is the passionate owner of Needmore Orchids. She is an artist, orchid exhibitor, blogger, and an accredited judge with the American Orchid Society (AOS). Known for her exceptional skill in growing Habenaria species and hybrids, Sarah maintains a personal collection of over 600 orchids—all cultivated under lights in her basement. Despite not having a greenhouse, her plants have earned numerous AOS awards for culture, flower quality, and exhibit design.

Sarah began her orchid journey in 2002 with a single Habenaria rhodocheila. Her love for orchids quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit, leading her to develop unique growing techniques such as LED-lit vertical shelving to maximize indoor growing space.

Her knowledge and passion for orchids have made her a sought-after speaker across the U.S. and Canada. Sarah regularly presents to orchid societies, blending education with humor, photography, and personal insight. She is also the author behind the blog and Facebook page Something About Orchids, where she shares practical growing tips and her latest discoveries.

To learn more or follow her orchid adventures, visit her Facebook page:
Something About Orchids on Facebook

 

🌸 Friday – Orchid Talks
📍 White Building, Corner of Poplar & Shore Road (just up the street from Waldor Orchids)

🎤 Orchid Talks – Friday During Our Open House!
Join us for a special day of orchid talks and presentations! Held at the same location as Saturday's AOS Outreach Judging, this event will feature a lineup of informative sessions from passionate and knowledgeable speakers in the orchid world.

🌿 Whether you're just starting out or have years of growing experience, these talks will educate, inspire, and deepen your love for orchids.

Alan Koch – 12:00 pm
Angraecoids for the Home Grower

Phillip Hamilton – 12:30 pm
Introducing: Novelty Phalaenopsis

Jim Roberts – 2:00 pm
A Few Encyclia to Enjoy

Sarah Hurdel – 2:30 pm
The World of Habenaria

Please Note:
🎟 Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
🪑 We recommend arriving early to grab a seat and enjoy the full lineup of presentations.

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and connect with fellow orchid lovers!

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Experience AOS Orchid Judging at Waldor Orchids Open House

Saturday, September 6

🌼 Saturday – AOS Outreach Judging
📍 White Building, Corner of Poplar & Shore Road (just up the street from Waldor Orchids)
🕧 Judging Begins Promptly at 12:30 PM
🪴 Plant Entry Deadline: 12:30 PM Sharp

We’re excited to host official AOS Outreach Judging during our Open House. This is your chance to witness live orchid judging by accredited American Orchid Society judges — and even enter your own plants for consideration.

AOS awards are recognized worldwide as the benchmark of orchid quality. A team of certified judges will be on site to explain the scoring process, share insights, and evaluate plants for possible recognition:

• Quality Awards – Exceptional flower form, color, and presentation.

• Botanical Awards – Noteworthy or rare species.

• Cultural Awards – Outstanding plant growth and care.

Who can participate?
You do not need to be an AOS member to have your plant judged, and there is no entry fee. Simply bring your blooming orchid with a correct species or hybrid name, pest-free, and cleaned up so it looks its best. Staking inflorescences is encouraged for optimal presentation.

Important Details:

• 🪴 Plant Entry Deadline: 12:30 PM sharp in the White Building at Poplar & Shore Road.

• 📷 Judging location is just a short walk from Waldor Orchids.

• 🎓 Judges will explain the evaluation process and criteria.

• 🏅 Awards may be given; recipients are responsible for AOS processing fees.

Why attend?

• Learn directly from accredited AOS judges.

• Discover what makes a plant award-worthy.

• Enjoy a rare, hands-on look into the orchid judging process.

• See potential award-winning orchids in person.

🗺️ Location: Waldor Orchids, 10 E. Poplar Ave., Linwood, NJ