Winter Orchid Show

24 August 2006

The Sapphire Coast Orchid Club presented its Winter Show in Twyford Hall Merimbula, with over 250 plants creating a spectacular display for members and visitors to enjoy. Cymbidium orchids were again the mainstay of the show, with Australian natives and 'slipper orchids' also very well represented. After a challenging growing season, the variety and quality of plants on display was outstanding.

Grand Champion of the Show went to a beautifully grown Cymbidium Touch of Class 'Shoalhaven' presented by Eden growers Bob and Muriel Bell. Their plant carried a single raceme of 25 perfect yellow flowers, held well clear of the foliage. It was also awarded Champion Cymbidium Under 60mm.

Shirley Bedingfield of Merimbula won Reserve Champion of the show, with her Paphiopedilum villosum. This beautiful species 'slipper' carried 5 perfect, glistening flowers. It was also awarded Champion Paphiopedilum. Shirley enjoyed more success with her aptly named Masdevallia Dark Star, which was awarded Champion Orchid, Any Other Genera, and took out Champion Species Orchid with her beautifully presented Sophronitis coccinea. Shirley came away with the overall point score and received the AOC trophy.

The popular Cymbidium sections provided a big choice for the judges. Norma and John Stafford of Kalaru were successful with their Cymbidium Sylvan Star x Yowie Pepper, which gained Champion Cymbidium 90mm and Over. Norma and John also took out Champion Cymbidium 60mm - 90mm with their Cymbidium Pumisan 'Fae'. Champion Cymbidium Seedling was awarded to Rob Pollock of Ulladulla, for his Cymbidium (Beacon Fire x Greenoaks Gem) x Red Valley.

Champion Laeliinae Alliance went to Bega grower Ulli Cliff with her Cattleya Little Dipper x Slc Bright Angel. Matt Janjak from Batemans Bay won Champion Vandaceous Orchid with his Rhyncostylis giganteum and Champion Specimen Orchid with an eye-catching Paphiopedilum villosum carrying 15 flowers.

Norma and John Stafford added to their success in the cymbidium sections by winning the well contested Australian Native section with their ground orchid Pterostylis Hoodwink being awarded Champion Australian Native or Hybrid. Ron and Rose Boyd from Kianga won the Champion Seedling Other than Cymbidium with their Paphiopedilum Lamourose x Beatrice Ernest 'Moorilla'.

Novice growers George and Bev Parker from Candelo were successful with their presentation of a pretty pink, unnamed Cymbidium orchid. The Floral Art was taken out by Kay Hewitt from Merimbula with a very attractive display featuring driftwood and orchids.

Congratulations to all winners and exhibitors for another beautiful show.

We gratefully acknowledge and thank our sponsors, South East Fibre Exports and Southern NSW Timber and Hardware.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Publicity Officer

© 2006 Graham Gray
Publicity Officer