Orchid fanciers to show unique blooms

FLOWERING orchids will be on display at the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre this month as part of the Ballarat Orchid Society’s spring orchid show.

The event is a combination of the judging of members orchids and a plant sale, and anyone in the community welcome to come along.

“It’s a yearly event and we have lots of members plants that get judged on the Friday morning,” said Ballarat Orchid Society secretary Jennie Bray.

“Entry allows people to see the show and also into the sale area where we have hundreds of different kinds or orchids for sale.”

Ms Bray said that for many society members, a love or orchids and gardening started when they were children.

“A lot of the time people’s mother or father have grown orchids and that’s how they’ve gotten into it,” she said.

“It’s kind of addictive especially when some orchids are in flower for a couple of months and there’s some orchids whose flowers will last for two days.”

Despite orchids having a reputation for being difficult to grow, Ms Bray said this depends on the type of orchid and is not always the case.

“Some orchids can be hard to grow and you have to have the right conditions, but some varieties almost thrive on neglect,” she said.

“They’re a mixed bag and there are orchids that grow in cooler climates and some that only grow in warmer climates so in Ballarat we have to pick and choose what we grow here.”

The club is always looking for new members and anyone who is interested in joining is encouraged to come along to the orchid show.

“New members are welcome and they can turn up to the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre and see us,” said Ms Bray.

“It’s about a love of gardening and this way we get a bit of social interaction as well.”

The show will be on from Friday 20 October to Sunday 22 October at 1 Holly Grove Wendouree and entry will cost $5.