NEW member and first-time entrant in the annual South Gippsland Orchid Show, Raymond Gribble of Bairnsdale, won this year’s Champion Orchid of Show with a truly stunning Australian native orchid Dendrobium Ray’s Quest.
Despite a breathtaking line-up of outstanding orchids from dozens of local growers, judges were impressed by the presentation, colour and vigour of Raymond’s entry.
“I wished it was mine,” said show marshall Julie Kilgour.
“It was a very healthy plant.”
Last year’s Champion Orchid of Show winner, Lita Gill impressed the judges again this year with Best Species in Show and Best Specimen in Show for two Dendrobiums.
Daryl Mills took home two Champions of Show ribbons for quite different orchids, a delicate Dendrobium Regal Hilda Star of Gold hybrid and a more traditional Darch Freak Mars Cymbidium.
Julie Kilgour said entries were strong across all categories, although many growers had commented that with a delayed start to spring, many orchids were still in bud.
Volunteers were kept busy right from when the doors opened early on Friday morning.
“We had a hundred Cymbidiums, and nearly all were sold in the first hour,” said Julie.
“The early buyers are always after the best blooms.”
Nearly one thousand orchid enthusiasts and club members attended the 35th Annual South Gippsland Orchid Show from Korumburra, Leongatha, Cowes, San Remo, Inverloch and Wonthaggi over two days.
Reflecting on the success of the show, Julie Kilgour said it is always a team effort.
“We think we’ve got it right.”
Next year the South Gippsland Orchid Society hopes to encourage more interest from young growers with categories for junior members.
Results 35th Annual South Gippsland Orchid Show
• Champion Orchid of Show: Raymond Gribble (Dendrobium Ray’s Quest)
• Reserve Champion Orchid: Daryl Mills (Dendrobium Regal Hilda x Star of Gold)
• Best Cymbidium: Daryl Mills (Darch Freak Mars)
• Best Australian Native: Raymond Gribble (Dendrobium Ray’s Quest)
• Best Species in Show: Lita Gill (Dendrobium speciosum)
• Best Other Genera Hybrid: Gary Neilson (Masdevallia Rubicon Noojee Purple)
• Best Specimen in Show: Lita Gill (Dendrobium Gracious Cascades)
