BEST BET

Orchid fanciers will find many plant varieties and hundreds of blooms at the South Coast Botanic Garden today from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as the South Bay Orchid Society concludes its 10th annual fall show. Prize-winning plants--chosen by judges for such attributes as bloom and color--will be on display, and orchid nurseries will sell blooming plants and seedlings.

Show chairman James Weiss said the show--which drew 2,000 people last year--gives orchid growers “an opportunity to bring in blooming plants and have a lot of people admire them.” Orchid society members will be on hand to answer questions, and there will be videos on orchid culture.

Weiss said growing orchids is a popular and challenging hobby: “They’re not difficult to grow, but they are demanding” in their requirements for water, feeding, humidity and warmth. Some orchid varieties also require patience. “It can be four to eight years before you see the first bloom,” Weiss said.

The botanic garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students and 75 cents for children 5 to 12.