BEAUTIFUL blooms drew hundreds of admirers to the Dandenong and District Orchid Club’s annual show last month.
The colourful show was held at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, Noble Park, on the weekend of 27 and 28 September.
Club president Ron Daniell said about 300 people visited the display over the two days and eight people were inspired enough by what they saw that they signed up to join the club.
“For us, that’s what the show is all about.
“Putting the flowers on show and raising the profile of the club, showing people what we do,” Mr Daniell said.
Geoff Browning’s lycaste macama Snow Crest was crowed 2014 Champion Orchid of the Show.
The reserve champion ribbon went to Barry Larkin.
Other prize winners were champion orchid by an open grower Geoff Browning; champion orchid by a novice grower Paul Apinitis; champion cymbidium Geoff Browning; champion paphiopedilum Barry and Marilyn Larkin; champion laelia/cattleya Ken and Diane Walker; champion Australian native species Peter and Margaret Miller; champion Australian native hybrid Lloyd Perryman; champion any other species John and Diane Sharam; champion specimen orchid Paul Apinitis; champion seedling of the show Geoff Browning.
Mayor Jim Memti presented Ern Newhouse with the City of Greater Dandenong award for his cymbidium Marie Bashier.
Anyone interested in cultivating orchids can talk to club members at the upcoming Dandenong Show on 8 and 9 November.
The club’s next meeting will this coming Friday at the Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society administration building.
