Orchids across the region are being carefully prepared for the upcoming Shoalhaven Orchid Society Winter Show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 61st show will be held Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. While the show is usually held in Berry, this year’s event will be hosted at the Bomaderry Bowling Club.
Shoalhaven Orchid Society treasurer Min Purtell will be entering the show and has been an avid orchid grower all her life.
“My mum always had orchids so I grew up with them,” she said.
“I love their colours, it’s just lovely to see something go from just the bulbs to eventuate to spikes and to have a flower – it’s just mind blowing.”
This year’s show features a new section for juniors, with Min’s six grandchildren ready to impress with their orchids.
“I love their colours, it’s just lovely to see something go from just the bulbs to eventuate to spikes and to have a flower – it’s just mind blowing.”
- Min Purtell
To encourage the next generation of orchid growers, the junior entries will be judged, regardless of whether they’re flowering or not.
For the rest of the competitors, Min said judges will be looking at the flower shape and the overall quality and condition of the plants.
Judges are Wendy Dhu from Berowra Heights, Gary Hart from Caringbah, Peter Stubbs from Surfside and associate judge Mellessa Wheatley from West Kempsey.
The coveted John Apperley Trophy will be awarded to the Champion Orchid of the Show.
“I’ve never won it but it would be nice one day,” Min said.
The winter show is open to all members of the public to come and see all the spectacular blooms on display. Entry is free. It will be open from 9am until 8pm on July 15 and 9am until 4pm on July 16.
A range of orchids will be on sale on both days.
Find more information here.
