By NARELLE COULTER
WITH spring in the air, the Dandenong and District Orchid Club is preparing for another bloomin’ good annual show at the end of the month.
Between 35 and 60 members of the club meet on the second Friday of the month to listen to a guest speaker, put their orchids forward for judging and share coffee and a chat.
Among the club’s longest serving members is John Betts who inherited his love of orchids from his mother.
When his mum died, John tendered her beloved orchids, gradually forming a deep appreciation of the plants himself.
He said orchids could be temperamental plants posing a challenge to growers who have to diligently coax them into flowering.
And with native orchids growing as far south as Tasmania, John assures new growers that orchids can thrive in cold climates, even without a hot house.
They can also be grown in hanging pots making them ideal for small yards and apartments.
“You have to know where you orchid is from. That’s the biggeset clue to growing successfully,” said John.
“Growing orchids requires patience.
“Sometimes you are waiting for a flower that only appears once a year.
“It can take up to 10 or 15 years for some seedlings to flower.”
In contast, club president Ron Daniell discoverd a passion for orchids later in life.
“I went to a show and there was this guy potting orchids.
“I was about to retire and I was looking for something to do that also had a social side.
“That’s what I like about the club, we go to each others’ places for a cup of coffee. We don’t grow (orchids) for sheep stations.”
Ron said the club was keen to get families involved so kids can “get some dirt under their fingernails”.
The show is an annual club highlight and since it moved to Noble Park’s Paddy O’Donoghue Centre attendance numbers have boomed.
Despite a “shocking” winter which has delayed some flowers, both men are confident the show will offer a spectacular array of blooms.
The public will also be able to purchase a variety of orchids as well as orchid related products. Club members will be on hand to dispense advice and encourgement.
The 2014 show will be held at 18-32 Buckley Street, Noble Park, on Saturday 27 September from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday 28 September from 9am to 4pm.
