By John Green
Australian Native Orchids are plants that are often overlooked in most collections. They are often viewed as the poor relation compared to the overseas orchids. Most of the Australian are yellow or creams just like the wattles. These colours depict the harsh dry environment of Australia. Because they have evolved to handle these conditions they can be grown in our gardens without much attention. I have several varieties growing in the garden and they do not get any supplementary water or fertiliser and they thrive and flower every year. Only draw back is most of the flowers are short lived but they make up for it in volume of flowers. The photo attached is of a plant Dendrobium speciosum. This plant is an Australian native. These plants in its many varieties are found from Victoria to North Queensland.
To learn more about growing why not visit a Noosa Orchid and Foliage Society meeting. The club holds its meetings on the second Saturday of each month at the Tinbeerwah Hall starting at 1pm. There is always a show and tell at the meetings. All visitors are welcome? These meetings are a great way to meet like-minded people sharing the same interest. This area is one of the best in Australia for growing a large variety of orchids. The club is very community minded and supports charities in the Noosa shire as well as supplying the labour and potting materials for the bush house at the Botanic Gardens. For more information contact Linda on 0427 570 022.Good growing.
