By Coral Gables Gazette staff
Orchids have a reputation for being beautiful but temperamental—but one South Florida expert is ready to change that perception. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will host the first class in a new series called Orchids Are Easy When You Know How – Getting Started, led by orchid judge and longtime grower Melana Davison on Sunday, August 3, at 10:30 a.m.
Held in the lush surroundings of one of the region’s premier botanical institutions, the two-hour workshop promises to demystify orchid care by focusing on the fundamentals: light, water, air, and nutrition. The goal is simple but powerful—to empower everyday gardeners to enjoy vibrant blooms without fear or frustration.
A thriving culture of orchid lovers
In South Florida, orchids aren’t just decoration—they’re a local passion. From balconies in Coral Gables to sprawling gardens in Pinecrest, orchids are woven into the area’s horticultural identity. But many residents still find these tropical plants intimidating, unsure how to keep them healthy beyond their first bloom.
Davison’s message: they’re not hard—just different.
“Orchids are no more difficult to grow than other plants,” she often tells audiences. “They just have unique needs. Once you understand what they require, they reward you generously.”
An expert with deep local roots
Davison brings decades of experience to the class. She’s an Accredited American Orchid Society Judge, co-owner of Homestead-based Jim-N-I Orchids, and founder of The Orchidiva, a maintenance and curation service that helps individuals and institutions manage orchid collections across Miami-Dade. Her work includes hands-on care, consulting, and high-level show planning.
She’s also well known in the local orchid circuit, having served as president of the Orchid Society of Coral Gables for 12 years and now continuing as its vice president. At Fairchild’s annual Orchid Festival, Davison chairs the juried orchid show, curating displays, coordinating lectures, and overseeing judging.
Tailored for beginners—but rich with insight
Sunday’s session, the first in a broader series, focuses on the core elements orchids need to thrive: proper light exposure, correct watering habits, adequate airflow, and balanced nutrition. Davison will also provide an introduction to some of the most popular and beginner-friendly orchid genera—offering tips specific to South Florida’s climate and household conditions.
Even those with little to no experience will leave with practical knowledge to apply right away, whether their orchids live on windowsills, patios, or backyard trees.
Participants may attend this class as a standalone experience; no prior sessions are required. The workshop runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and requires advance ticket purchase.
A signature educational offering from Fairchild
The class is part of Fairchild’s broader educational mission to connect the public with the natural world through hands-on, science-based learning. With offerings ranging from tropical fruit tastings to horticultural design, the garden remains a beloved institution for both serious gardeners and curious residents.
Tickets ($25 for members and $35 for non-members) include access to the full garden on the day of the class. Upon registration, participants will receive confirmation and digital tickets by email. Attendees are encouraged to check spam or clutter folders if confirmation does not arrive.
To learn more or reserve a spot, visit Fairchild Garden’s events page. The garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, Florida 33156
