Source: Taiwan Today
By John Scott Marchant
Queen Elizabeth II gave Taiwan’s display at the Chelsea Flower Show the royal seal of approval May 23 during an official visit one day ahead of the event opening to the public.
The queen, who was welcomed by ROC Representative to the U.K. Chang Siao-yue, cast an approving eye over the stand designed to resemble a church filled with orchids. Inspired by the marriage last month of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the 91-square-meter exhibition space is adorned with more than 2,000 orchids of over 100 varieties.
“This display serves as an endorsement of the skill of orchid cultivators in Taiwan, and is a way of introducing the U.K. and Europe to the wonders of their high-quality creations,” Chang said in an exclusive interview with Taiwan Today.
“Through the promotion of orchids, we are fostering bonds between the rich horticultural traditions of Taiwan and the U.K., and also developing ties between the gardening industries of our two countries.”
Display organizer Taiwanese Orchid Growers’ Association said the booth, three times larger than the 2010 version, features mainly indigenous Cattleya, Paphiopedilum and Phalaenopsis orchids. “Our efforts have put us in the running to improve on last year’s silver medal performance at the show,” the association added.
In honor of the British monarch’s visit, Chang presented her with a moth orchid hybrid named Queen Elizabeth II. “We hope this new species will serve as a celebration of your majesty’s continued reign,” she said.
According to the association, the flower is a cross between the sin-yaun golden beauty and pinlong cheris orchids. The former is prized throughout Asia for its red pistil and yellow petals, while the latter is renowned across Europe for its delicate pink coloring and abundance of flowers.
“By combining these two strikingly different forms of orchid, cultivators have created a flower reminiscent of the elegant yellow primrose dress and matching hat her majesty wore during the recent royal wedding,” the association said. “It is hoped the Queen Elizabeth II will serve as a lasting celebration of this most happy and joyous event.”
Camilla Parker Bowles also inspected Taiwan’s display and praised the quality of its flowers. Chang thanked the Duchess of Cornwall for the compliment before presenting her with an orchid.
This year's show, which is being held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea May 24 to 28, has attracted over 650 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions. The event is a sellout, with all 157,000 tickets snapped up weeks ago.
Write to John Scott Marchant at js_marchant@mail.gio.gov.tw
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