Pictures: AMY MAYNARD
THE Millicent Orchid Society Spring Show had a variety of high-quality entries despite a decline in nominations following an unusual growth season.
“We have had some varieties bloom later than normal and so that’s why we only have 60 entries this year,” society secretary Robert Wood said.
“But we have been able to have orchids in every category except for two and we’re seeing some high-quality plants in show.”
The annual show was in full bloom over the Labour Day Long Weekend for its 31st year of exhibition.
Growers and floral enthusiasts converged at the St Alphonsus Hall over three days to view a range of exquisite flowers.
Mr Wood said the show specialised in orchids that thrive in colder weather, with a combination of orchids grown indoors and outdoors in and around Millicent.
“Orchids are susceptible to frost and many Australian natives like to grow in intermediate temperatures.”
Trends that Mr Wood has seen include big blocks of orchids being downsized into smaller, more specialised plots.
“Orchids are not difficult to grow generally, even though some can be,” he said.
“At our monthly meetings we discuss different topics related to how to get the best out of the plant.”
The judges at the Orchid Show have each had a minimum of four to five years experience in growing and evaluating orchids.
Mr Wood said what makes an orchid stand out was how it conformed to, or exceeded, the standard.
“We look at a number of things, such as how many flowers are on the plant, the height and the colours for example,” he said.
Barbara Barker was declared the Grand Champion of the show due to her flourishing dendrobium gracillium orchid.
“Oh it is not me really,” she said.
“It grows itself.”
Other winners include Julie Hoffmann, Val Langley, Glenn and Madeline Schapel and Anne Trommelen.
