Vanda Tricolor Orchid Festival To Be Held In Sleman

SLEMAN, Yogyakarta, Oct 5 (Antara) - The Indonesia Orchid Association of Yogyakarta and the Biology Faculty from University of Gadja Mada Yogyakarta, with support from the Sleman District government, will present the Vanda Tricolor Orchid Festival on Oct 15 and Oct 16 at Tiri Orchid Garden, Boyong Pakem street, Sleman District, Yogyakarta. "Sleman district is an area that is located on a hillside of Mount Merapi, which has suitable land for orchid cultivation. But unfortunately, Tricolor orchids, especially Tricolor Merapi, have become increasingly scarce," said Kadarso, chairman of the festival, here on Tuesday. According to Kadarso, the Tricolor Orchid Festival is intended to conserve and cultivate orchids, and also to increase the public¿s appreciation of orchids. Those interested in participating in the festival can submit their plants before Oct 13 at the Tiri Orchids Garden, Sleman. "Participation is open to public from different regions," he said. "The winners will receive certificates and plant food to maintain the orchid," he said. The festival will also feature an exhibition of Vanda Tricolor orchids, orchid exchanges, flower arrangement sessions, and orchid cultivation training. Secretary of Department of Culture and Tourism in Sleman, Endah Sri Widiastuti, said that the festival is a strategic event which is expected to support local tourism. "We hope the event will be held every year, so that public will always await this event," she said. Moreover, participants can visit other destinations around Mount Merapi.