After 40 years - rethinking my place in the world of orchids

[David B]

A reminder, judging is a TEAM sport. I speak only of Toronto though I have judged in other center's but there I have no input regarding their process. So in Toronto, a plant is brought to a TEAM of judges consisting at minimum 2 accredited, and 1 associate judge, but usually at least a team of 5 including students. At the end of judging, each TEAM in turn speaks openly to the other judging Teams in the room about each plant they judged, passed or awarded, and articulates why specifically a plant was or was not awarded, and questions are welcome. This judging room has many ALPHA judges, male and female, with extensive world wide knowledge regarding culture, growing and judging of orchids. So if you are wondering where the buck stops, it stops here. These people are extraordinary at what they do and are quite comfortable in their decision making. If you want to be better at this orchid evaluation process, this is the place.

 

[Tom-DE]

Very well-written, Dr.Ee.

I think so too.
I may not always "agree with" the AOS, especially the judging system, but Leslie's statement is quite fair. Well-written, Leslie! I am glad to hear your stories or your point of view.

 

[Phragper]

so enjoyed this. You are very fortunate to be able to do what you have figured out makes you happy and at peace

 

[terryros]

I would conclude that there is much time and effort involved in becoming a judge. I suspect it is too late if you wait until retirement to start the process. I would expect very few serious growers can begin the process in their 40s and 50s. A limited number of judges means limited judging opportunities, often at a distance from many growers. The travel and expense mean that orchids submitted for judging will be a limited sample of the best orchids that are out there.

 

[Tony]

I would conclude that there is much time and effort involved in becoming a judge. I suspect it is too late if you wait until retirement to start the process. I would expect very few serious growers can begin the process in their 40s and 50s. A limited number of judges means limited judging opportunities, often at a distance from many growers. The travel and expense mean that orchids submitted for judging will be a limited sample of the best orchids that are out there.

Who can afford to start before retirement? The time commitment and travel demands are not something that many working people can meet.

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Who can afford to start before retirement? The time commitment and travel demands are not something that many working people can meet.

Most people start at retirement indeed.

But … Many people do start before retirement. And indeed there is much time commitment and juggling schedules. You must love orchids more than yourself lol.

One judge has 5 kids and work while going through program in her late 30’s and she made it to accreditation!! So it is possible.

 

[Paph Paradise]

I would conclude that there is much time and effort involved in becoming a judge. I suspect it is too late if you wait until retirement to start the process. I would expect very few serious growers can begin the process in their 40s and 50s. A limited number of judges means limited judging opportunities, often at a distance from many growers. The travel and expense mean that orchids submitted for judging will be a limited sample of the best orchids that are out there.

I was in my mid-30's when I started, but we don't have any kids. Some of our better judges started after retirement. Traveling to out of town shows and judgings is a great way to meet new people with similar interests.

Dave