Manteca jeweler Patty Reece and a number of her orchids are part of the Orchid Fest 2015 Orchid Show and Sale this weekend at the Sherwood Mall in Stockton that’s being hosted by the San Joaquin Orchid Society.

Reece who is deeply rooted in the art of orchid growing. She has her own hot house located behind her home where she continually raises many varieties in the 20-by 30-foot structure that’s self-contained and thermostatically controlled.

She was among friends on Thursday when they were setting up the event near the food court in the mall below the large circular skylight in the ceiling. The competitors include a variety of vocations from doctors, lawyers, nurses and others in retail ownership. Reece has been involved in the event since 1994.

Competition was open to the community with a deadline of a week to notify the society prior to the event.

The plants are to be judged this morning at 10 a.m. by representatives from the American Orchid Society based in Florida — with representation all over the world. The display includes 160 that just arrived from the Big Island of Hawaii. They are being offered for sale for under $10 to a high of $25. 

Hours of operation are basically during the hours of the mall from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. today and Saturday as well as 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Among the activities beyond the sales and judging will be repotting done by members of the group for a nominal donation. 

Orchids and exhibits are being entered in one of the following categories. Novice is a person who has never competed or who has won less than three first place ribbons. Experienced is any person who has won more than three first place ribbons and is not a commercial grower defined as one who relies on the sale of orchids for their livelihood and therefore may not receive ribbon or trophy awards.