Too Much Work Pays Off: Orchid Wins Best of Show

By DJ Feuerborn

“Too much work.” That’s what Terry Drever used to say on Saturday mornings while I was teaching him about orchids. Well, that work just paid off. His first-ever entry, a Cattleya Raspberry Smoke, won Best of Show at the San Diego County Orchid Society’s summer show — along with a Cultural Award recognizing his exceptional growing skills. He received many ribbons.

Terry and I got to know each other because he just lives two houses away. He has a beautiful Great Dane named Daisy, a red Doberman named Max, and we share a common love for Plumerias. We became friends after many encounters and talking about plants. 

In 2019 after finally convincing him he could grow orchids in his courtyard like I was doing, he decided to give it a try. We settled into a routine: every Saturday morning, learning, planting, feeding, and watering — our own two-person garden club. Over time, the operation grew right along with the plants. Bigger tables, more plants, then shade cloths went up. Terry built a genuinely ideal growing environment, because he was serious about becoming a successful grower. He displays them proudly for the neighbors and dog walkers, walking past his house. We all benefit by seeing the unique and beautiful flowers.

Orchids are not a low-maintenance hobby, and Terry knew it. “Too much work,” he’d say — but he was up to the challenge. There’s something deeply gratifying about coaxing something so unique and beautiful into bloom. 

When the awards were announced, Terry was genuinely shocked — and I couldn’t be prouder. His Cattleya Raspberry Smoke is stunning. A true specimen. And a big one at that! I knew it would win. 

Congratulations again, Terry.