COSTA MESA, Calif - The 25th anniversary of the “Fascination of Orchids International Show and Sale” at South Coast Plaza was a record-breaking year, with more than 100,000 people coming to view the 100 orchid exhibits on display.

Every February, right before Valentine’s Day, the Orange County California Branch Cymbidium Orchid Society of America holds the exhibit. The annual event, with its nearly 70 vendors from 12 countries, is touted as “One of the Largest & Most Spectacular Orchid Shows & Sales in the World.”

Amidst an assortment of various species of orchids, the most eye-catching item was the floral centerpiece designed by Don Davidson to celebrate both the recent Chinese New Year and orchid show. Created by Fiesta Parade Floats in Pasadena, the display takes a similar theme to Fiesta’s float, titled “Playful Pandamonium,” sponsored by Rain Bird, which won the Sweepstakes Trophy for most beautiful entry at the Rose Parade last month.

For those who were unable to view the float during the parade, this 30-foot tall floral piece was a good alternative with its pair of pandas in a bamboo grove displaying a beautiful scene of orchids and other plant life. The pandas were crafted of white coconut and black onion seeds, with accents of black seaweed on their mouths and eyes. Three large red draping tassels accented the piece centered amidst three floors of orchid displays and vendors.

At the information desk across from the float, Robert Walters, a resident of Anaheim and a member of the Orange County Orchid Society, was eager to share his knowledge and love of Orchids.

“Go and see my wife Sandra on the third floor, she’ll change the color of your thumb to green,” he said.

Walters directed reluctant shoppers to discover two products that can assist in growing orchids. One product is a new foliar plant food called Wonder Grow, an all-natural, non-chemical and non-toxic product, which makes it safe for pets and children.

For novice orchid growers, Walters also recommended Aussie Gold. Aussie Gold, an inert orchid mix, is a combination of Australian horticultural diatomite, coconut fiber processed in India, horticultural charcoal, perlite and other “secret” ingredients. According to Santee resident Ivan Harrison, the developer of the mix, a special combination of ingredients allows for less root rot, a leading killer of orchids.

Harrison, an avid orchid collector and former vice-president of the San Diego Orchid Society, developed the product after eights years of orchid growing. “This product is turning the orchid world upside down,” he said.

Orchid collectors and growers have a history of keeping secret their potting mix combinations due to their competitive spirit. After much research to lessen plant loss and improve the health of his plants, English-born Harrison developed Aussie Gold. His research was primarily for his own benefit, but after quick success with the diatomite, he wanted to make the product available to the public in order to save more orchids from dying and to benefit more growers.

“I don’t want to be king,” said Harrison. “I just want to help the people.”

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Information about next year's show and other upcoming orchid events is available at www.fascinationoforchids.com