04/11/06

Local orchid enthusiasts John and Irene Stubbs from Riverview Orchid nursery Brogo dominated the Sapphire Coast orchid Club's Australian Native Orchid Show held in Merimbula 3 and 4 November.

A showcase for Sarcanthinae Orchids the show also included other genera in flower this time of the year.

Champion Species and Grand Champion of the Show was taken out by John and Irene Stubbs with a well formed almost pure white Sarcochilus hartmanii. They were also successful with their Phalanopsis Snow Cloud x Flurry, a large white with purple lip, in the Champion any other Species.

Champion Specimen was a magnificent Sarcochilus Fitzhart shown by Merimbula grower Kay Hewitt. This well presented plant had 10 long arching spikes of beautifully marked flowers.

Experienced Merimbula grower Shiny Bedingfield displayed Champion Sarcochilus Hybrid, Sarcochilus Heidi x Jewel, the large 2cm well shaped flowers taking the Judges eye.

In the novice ranks John and Lyn Ashton of Tura won the section with Sarcochilus Fitzhart x Cherie, a vigourous red speckled flower that shows a lot of promise. A feature of this years show was the inclusion of a display of 'Bonsai' by expert David HofofMenmbula. David's fascinating hobby featured a 35 year old white pine no more than 40 cm high.

Overall the show was a great display of the infrequently seen Sarcochilus orchids, which are becoming more popular as more colours become available. Other plants that featured were some excellent examples of soft cane dendrobiums grown by Bob and Muriel Bell and Paphs including a beautiful Nonito Hasegawa shown by Ron and Rose Boyd.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Publicity Officer.