Orchids blooming in Ballarat this weekend

BALLARAT Orchid Club is holding its annual orchard show from Friday, 19 to Sunday 21, October.

The club members have organised a display showcasing the diversity of shape, size and colour of orchid blooms.

Club Secretary Brad Haywood said about twenty club members will show their plants at the show for judging by an accredited panel of orchid experts.

There are three categories for judging – novice, intermediate and open.

Mr Haywood’s son, at 13 years of age, is the youngest member of the club with the majority of members in the 40s plus range.

“Ballarat is a challenging place to grow orchids,” said Mr Haywood.

With all the plants at the show grown in the Ballarat region, he said the club members on hand will be happy to provide tips and hints to local orchid lovers.

Terrestrial orchids, such as the popular cymbidium, grow in soil.

While tropical orchids are epiphytes, which means that they grow in the air, rather than in soil.

Over the three days of the show Mr Haywood expects more than 600 people to attend, with about 25 per cent coming from other Victorian orchid clubs.

Club members and four commercial growers will have a wide range of orchids on sale at the event.

The show is at the Primary Industries Training Centre, corner of Gillies Street and Gregory Street Wendouree.

Open Friday 12.00pm – 5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm and Sunday 10.00am 3.00pm. Admission is $5 for adults, kids free.