WOOLGOOLGA District Orchid Society opens the gates to its free Annual Spring Orchid Show and Garden Expo on Saturday 1 October, from 9.00am to 3.00pm at the Woolgoolga Public School, 1-11 Scarborough Street, Woolgoolga.

“To inject some added interest into our fabulous event, not only will there be a huge array of beautiful exotic orchids in every colour of the rainbow and genre, as an added interest there will be displays from many gardening enthusiasts,” Club President Neville Anderson told News Of The Area.

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“Expect a magnificent display by the Woolgoolga Garden Club, Bonville Broms, Bonsai Society, a whimsical garden and a very unusual tassel fern display, and many many more.”

A cohort from the Mid North Coast Judging Panel will peruse and rate all the orchids to determine the Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Best Specimen, President’s Choice and People’s Choice along with awards for Section Champions.

The judges are looking for six criteria, the two major ones being shape and colour.

“Then comes size, substance and texture,” explained Neville, “then they look at how capable the plant is at holding itself up.

“The flowers should be capable of sitting up and looking at the judges, not hanging down facing the floor.”

Neville cited the Phalaenopsis as an example, where the flowers should be well spaced, well arranged and looking in the same direction, and also taken into account is the surface appearance.

“You can enter on the day before so why not bring along your best orchids; you may be the winner of some wonderful prizes.”

Benching, as it is called, where your plant is entered and placed for judging, will begin Friday, September 30 at 2pm to 5pm and on Saturday morning, October 1, from 6am to 7am just prior to judging.

Society members on hand throughout the day will be more than happy to answer any questions about how to grow your orchids in your particular area.

The Society’s Orchids will be on sale to enhance your collection, along with many other organisations selling gardening goodies.

“And don’t forget your gold coins to enter the magnificent raffle with its plethora of top quality and unique orchids to be won,” said Neville.

“Then go along and take advantage of our beautiful headland just down the road, where you can watch the whales as they breach and swim past.”

By Andrea FERRARI