By JOHN GREEN
AUSTRALIAN native orchids are plants that are usually 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.
The only draw back is most of the flowers are short lived but they make up for it in volume of flowers. The flower attached to this article is Dendrobium Hilda Poxon, which was recently shown at our Saturday meeting. There is always a show and tell at our meetings.
The Noosa District Orchid and Foliage Society conducts a spring show and many Australian natives can be viewed there along with hundreds of other exotic orchids. The show is held in the Memorial Hall in Cooroy on 19 and 20 September. There will be an abundance of orchids for sale, something for all buyers.
To learn more about growing why not visit a club meeting. The club holds its meetings on the first Saturday of each month at the Tinbeerwah Hall starting at 1am. All visitors are welcome, we just ask for a $2 donation to cover afternoon tea.
Good growing, John Green, president, Noosa District Orchid and Foliage Society. Contact John on 5483 2764 or visit the club’s website.
