Native orchids to delight at annual show

GEELONG’S CBD is ready to blossom with the return of the Geelong Annual Native Orchid Show.

A yearly feature of Australian Native Orchid Society’s Geelong branch, the orchid show is the club’s sole source of fundraising and will be hosted this Sunday inside Geelong’s Christ Church Hall on the corner of Moorabool and McKillop Streets.

Branch president David Bell will be part of his first Geelong orchid show in his capacity as club, and said he is excited to experience the event in a new way.

“It’s going to be an interesting time, because the season has come so early, but hopefully we have plenty of other lovely plants available,” he said.

“The last couple of meetings we’ve had committed growers showcase orchids I’ve never seen before, so I’m looking forward to what everyone brings on Sunday.

“I’m a little nervous, but excited nonetheless.”

The show is expected to display over 300 native species and hopes to attract hundreds of visitors from 10am to 4pm.

All funds raised from public plant sales and the $5 entry fee will go directly towards the group’s conservation efforts in partnership with the forest management services at Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve and various tours on offer.

The Australian Native Orchid Society’s Geelong branch currently holds 100 active members.

“We see the event as a great opportunity to showcase what our club is all about and what we offer to orchid growers across the Greater Geelong, Bellarine, Surf Coast, and Golden Plains regions,” Mr Bell said.

“We will have members walking around offering membership forms to visitors as well.”

All orchids available for sale will be “clean”, meaning all plants will be free of diseases that are sometimes carried within various orchids.