By Shelby Brooks
Hundreds of flowering orchids impressed crowds in Berwick over the weekend.
Approximately 500 individual orchid plants were presented as part of the Berwick Orchid Club Spring Show, held on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September.
Berwick Orchid Show president Murray Harding said the exhibits were at a high standard and the large crowd loved the display.
It is the first show back after Covid-19 restrictions.
“A lot of people were saying the same thing, that they had missed being able to come and do this,” Mr Harding said.
A highlight of the competition was novice grower Shamsad Begum beating the more experienced growers by winning Champion Australasian Native Species Orchid of the Show with her plant Dendrobium Speciosum, variety Speciosum.
“I told her, you’ll never forget this for the rest of your lifetime,” Mr Harding said of her win.
The plant sale was also extremely popular, with half of the 420 plants for sale sold within the first hour and a half on Saturday morning, Mr Harding said.
Free advice was also readily dished out to spectators and Mr Harding encouraged interested growers to join the club.
“We are trying to stamp out the ‘buy an orchid, take it home and hope for the best’ attitude,” Mr Harding said.
“For a $25 membership, you have endless contact with a number of people you can ask advice from.”
Phone Mr Harding on 0411 708 313 for more information about the Berwick Orchid Club.
