The Sapphire Coast Orchid Club’s Australian Native Orchid and Bonsai show, held on the 5 & 6 November at Twyford Hall, presented a wonderful display of Sarcanthinae Orchids which are the feature of the Show. Visitors were very appreciative of the opportunity to see these dainty orchids, which in the main flower too late for our Spring show, and with the added attraction of David Hof’s Bonsai the hall presented a very grand view.

David Hof’s Bonsai collection almost defied description, with 35 year old trees little more than 50 cm tall in a wide range of species which included deciduous European hardwoods and conifers. David was on hand to explain the finer points of his art.

Grand Champion Sarcanthinae Orchid and winner of the Bev & George Parker Perpetual Trophy was Sartylis Blue Knob (Sarco. hartmannii 'Blue Knob' x Rhynchostylis retusa), superbly grown and presented by John Stafford and Tracy Ainsworth from Kalaru. The plant carried two arching racemes of 40+ flowers each, and attracted much admiration. This orchid was also awarded Champion Sarcanthinae Hybrid. John and Tracy were also awarded Champion Any Other Orchid for their Dendrobium nobile var album.

The Best Sarcanthinae Species orchid was presented by Susie Butler from Merimbula. Her Sarc hartmannii Sylvaniae x Kerry carried a single raceme of perfectly formed, glistening white flowers.

Shirley Bedingfield from Merimbula was again amongst the winners this year. Her excellently grown Sarc Melba carried 12 racemes of white flowers with red centres, and was awarded Best Sarcanthinae Specimen. Shirley also took out the pointscore for the show for the second year in a row.

Peter Macknight from Tura Beach won Best Novice with his very well presented Sarc Fitzhart ‘Red Spots’ x Sarc hartmannii ‘RCH 2’. A special mention goes to our junior member Patrick Rizzetti, also from Tura Beach, who gained Best Orchid Exhibited by a Junior Member for his lovely Masdevallia. Well done Patrick.

The Sapphire Coast Orchid Club would like to thank our major sponsor, South East Fibre Exports, for their very generous support of our show. Thank you also to all exhibitors and helpers who made this show a success.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Publicity Officer

Ulli Cliff
Publicity Officer