Spectacular blooms defy wet winter at 36th Annual Orchid Show

THE WONTHGAGGI Workers Club has once again been transformed into a vibrant floral wonderland for the South Gippsland Orchid Society’s 36th Annual Orchid Show.

The much-anticipated event brought together the region's finest orchids, showcasing 280 stunning entries from 80 passionate growers.

"It’s the biggest orchid show in South Gippsland, and we have the biggest membership," said a very proud Society President Allen Archibald.

The impressive turnout was particularly remarkable given the challenging conditions growers faced leading up to the event. According to Mr Archibald the recent growing season was far from ideal.

"We had a very wet winter and a lack of sun," Mr Archibald explained. "Because of that, popular varieties like Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums haven’t flowered as early as they usually do."

Despite the seasonal hurdles, the Wonthaggi Workers Club was filled with spectacular colours and intricate shapes, drawing visitors and participants from far and wide. The society’s footprint has expanded significantly, welcoming an influx of new members from East Gippsland.

This regional surge was heavily inspired by first-time entrant Raymond Gribble, who captured the crowd's imagination last year by winning Champion Orchid of the Show with a remarkable Dendrobium Ray's Quest.

Mr Archibald credited the event's ongoing success to the inclusive nature of the group. "Experienced members provide lots of helpful advice," he noted. "It's that collaborative spirit that truly makes the show happen."

Among the most talked-about displays was a rare Masdevallia brought all the way from Newlands Arm by grower Garry Neilson. Garry recently achieved a rare milestone in the Australian orchid-growing community, earning two prestigious awards from the Orchid Societies Council of Victoria for successfully cultivating the uncommon South American species, Masdevallia schlimii. Garry received both a Highly Commended Certificate for quality and a coveted Certificate of Botanical Merit.

Native to the high-elevation cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela, this particular orchid is notoriously difficult to flower and highly uncommon in local cultivation.

For Garry, the accolades represented a deeply personal journey. He never expected orchid growing to become such a massive part of his life, having only started after his wife passed away four years ago. “She had a deep love for the flowers,” said Garry who initially only took over the greenhouse to care for her plants.

What began as a touching way to honour her memory has gradually blossomed into a profound passion of his own, culminating in provincial acclaim at this weekend's spectacular exhibition.

Over the past few years, Garry has built an extraordinary collection of around 2000 orchids, specialising in rare and challenging species. Gary’s secret for growing orchids is simple, patience, look after the plants, talk to them every day, and give them whatever they need to try to recreate nature.

Show Marshall Julie Kilgour said she had been incredibly impressed by the help from members setting up and their willingness to participate during the two days of the show.

Ms Kilgour also acknowledged the assistance and hospitality of the Wonthaggi Workers Club. The early-bird plant sales were again popular drawing a large eager crowd.

Akin to a Boxing Day sale discerning buyers waited at the doors from early morning to secure the best varieties from a massive selection of orchids on offer. In addition to rare and popular plants, specialised vendors were on hand with essential orchid supplies.

Whether you are an experienced horticulturist seeking rare additions or a novice looking for inspiration and expert advice, the 36th Annual Orchid Show is always an unmissable weekend of natural beauty and community spirit.

The South Gippsland Orchid Society’s 36th Annual Orchid Show is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Friday September 11 and 9.30am to 4pm Saturday September 12.