Our New Growers and Improvers Group workshops are held monthly on the third Saturday (usually) from February to November. Our next workshop is to be held on 21st June at Greg and Yvonne's home at Murrumba Downs at 9.00am. Greg is a prize-winning orchid grower who specialises in cattleyas. If you would like to come, see the email below.
Contact Trich for more information [email protected]
What's been happening?.....
Contact Trich for more information [email protected]
What's been happening?.....
May 2025
In May, we visited Red Fox Orchid Nursery where there are 8,000 square metres of greenhouses that are set up with 30 zones of watering regimes. Kurt explained how orchids are grown on a commercial scale. The nursery buys flasks from overseas but also develops new crosses of their own, a process which can take up to four years. Last year they de-flasked 35,000 plants during spring into their seedling area that holds 100,000 plants. When the plants mature, they are repotted by hand at the rate of up to 800 plants per person per day. We thank Kurt and Jennifer for sharing their experience and hosting our visit.
In May, we visited Red Fox Orchid Nursery where there are 8,000 square metres of greenhouses that are set up with 30 zones of watering regimes. Kurt explained how orchids are grown on a commercial scale. The nursery buys flasks from overseas but also develops new crosses of their own, a process which can take up to four years. Last year they de-flasked 35,000 plants during spring into their seedling area that holds 100,000 plants. When the plants mature, they are repotted by hand at the rate of up to 800 plants per person per day. We thank Kurt and Jennifer for sharing their experience and hosting our visit.
April 2025
Following a viewing of his orchid house, as Paul is an orchid judge, he gave a talk on one of his favourite orchids, the Bulbophyllum. Our educator Robert’s discussion focused on the proper way to write the names of orchid hybrids and species to ensure accurate representation of the plant’s name. Our thanks to Paul for opening his home to us. No NGIG event was held in March.
Following a viewing of his orchid house, as Paul is an orchid judge, he gave a talk on one of his favourite orchids, the Bulbophyllum. Our educator Robert’s discussion focused on the proper way to write the names of orchid hybrids and species to ensure accurate representation of the plant’s name. Our thanks to Paul for opening his home to us. No NGIG event was held in March.
February 2025
Michael has a mixed collection of orchids, which he has been growing for around 25 years. He has two of his original plants and they are still flowering. His bush house gets full sun all day and has 70% cream coloured shade cloth that he thinks is brighter than the green shade cloth. He is experimenting with extra layer of shade cloth. There are no trees or tall houses around the bush house.
Michael's Bulbophyllum are under the bench to reduce the amount of sun they receive. The Vandas and Tolumnias get watered every day. After he waters the orchids, he then applies fertilizers, and he does this every week. He has three types of fertilizers and uses a different one each week. He dilutes the fertilizers half strength. Full strength produces too much growth and not enough flowers. He tries to let them dry out if it rains before watering again.
We thank Michael and Tanya very much for hosting the New Grower's meeting. It is invaluable for inexperienced growers to meet and talk to those with many years’ experience.
Michael has a mixed collection of orchids, which he has been growing for around 25 years. He has two of his original plants and they are still flowering. His bush house gets full sun all day and has 70% cream coloured shade cloth that he thinks is brighter than the green shade cloth. He is experimenting with extra layer of shade cloth. There are no trees or tall houses around the bush house.
Michael's Bulbophyllum are under the bench to reduce the amount of sun they receive. The Vandas and Tolumnias get watered every day. After he waters the orchids, he then applies fertilizers, and he does this every week. He has three types of fertilizers and uses a different one each week. He dilutes the fertilizers half strength. Full strength produces too much growth and not enough flowers. He tries to let them dry out if it rains before watering again.
We thank Michael and Tanya very much for hosting the New Grower's meeting. It is invaluable for inexperienced growers to meet and talk to those with many years’ experience.
November 2024
Nine years ago, on the 20th October, Jacqui moved in here. There was no vegetation on the block (603m2). Over the years, grass was gradually replaced with a rainforest habitat including palms and fruit trees. Jacqui uses horse manure for fertiliser and prefers not to use sugar cane mulch as it attracts rats. It’s generally a low-lying block prone to flooding. Jacqui has done the impressive landscaping herself. Visiting orchid shows was a popular activity for Jacqui and her Mum. Jacqui built the orchid house for their purchases. The orchid house has Perspex panels and is made from recycled materials. Jacqui uses tea candles in terra cotta pots to keep the plants warm during winter nights. Some of the orchids have been moved outside the orchid house into the rainforest areas as to avoid the heat in the hot months. Jacqui has tied many orchids (eg. Phaleanopsis spp.) to trees but some shoots have been eaten off. Jacqui has a hospital ward for struggling orchids. Thanks very much to Jacqui for hosting our meeting.
Nine years ago, on the 20th October, Jacqui moved in here. There was no vegetation on the block (603m2). Over the years, grass was gradually replaced with a rainforest habitat including palms and fruit trees. Jacqui uses horse manure for fertiliser and prefers not to use sugar cane mulch as it attracts rats. It’s generally a low-lying block prone to flooding. Jacqui has done the impressive landscaping herself. Visiting orchid shows was a popular activity for Jacqui and her Mum. Jacqui built the orchid house for their purchases. The orchid house has Perspex panels and is made from recycled materials. Jacqui uses tea candles in terra cotta pots to keep the plants warm during winter nights. Some of the orchids have been moved outside the orchid house into the rainforest areas as to avoid the heat in the hot months. Jacqui has tied many orchids (eg. Phaleanopsis spp.) to trees but some shoots have been eaten off. Jacqui has a hospital ward for struggling orchids. Thanks very much to Jacqui for hosting our meeting.
October 2024
Following a short hiatus, our group was back in full swing with a visit to Lynda's specialised collection. Lynda spoke to the NGIG about the range of orchid microclimates in her collection, and the type of orchids suited to them. Microclimates can be made on a larger scale, like her large bush house beside the pool or small areas for specialised growing of phalaenopsis, paphiopedilums or recently deflasked small orchid plants. Lynda's bush houses have gravel floors that release humidity and make the house cooler. The gravel sits on weed matting or fabric. Lynda has fans in the bush houses that circulate the air and the humidity. Inside the bush house, similar plants are grouped together to share the same microclimate, particularly humidity. Lynda also described how to make microclimates on a small scale, for one or two plants. Following morning tea, Robert spoke on preparing orchids for hot weather as Summer is just round the corner. Thank you to Lynda for hosting the morning and for her informative talk.
Following a short hiatus, our group was back in full swing with a visit to Lynda's specialised collection. Lynda spoke to the NGIG about the range of orchid microclimates in her collection, and the type of orchids suited to them. Microclimates can be made on a larger scale, like her large bush house beside the pool or small areas for specialised growing of phalaenopsis, paphiopedilums or recently deflasked small orchid plants. Lynda's bush houses have gravel floors that release humidity and make the house cooler. The gravel sits on weed matting or fabric. Lynda has fans in the bush houses that circulate the air and the humidity. Inside the bush house, similar plants are grouped together to share the same microclimate, particularly humidity. Lynda also described how to make microclimates on a small scale, for one or two plants. Following morning tea, Robert spoke on preparing orchids for hot weather as Summer is just round the corner. Thank you to Lynda for hosting the morning and for her informative talk.
August 2024
Spring is here and so too, was our annual repotting day! Robert explained the process of repotting - organising your equipment, the types of potting mix, preparing the orchid, repotting it and after care needed, whilst demonstrating these techniques on a large dendrobium orchid. Members brought their own plants which they repotted themselves under guidance from experienced orchid growers. All workstations were busy so morning tea and a browse round Michael’s orchid houses was in order whilst waiting a turn. Thank you to Michael and Margaret for allowing us to use their garage for our workspace, to Robert for his great instructions and Louise for morning tea and trade table. Thanks too, to all those who volunteered their time as supervisors or assistants to make this another successful day.
Spring is here and so too, was our annual repotting day! Robert explained the process of repotting - organising your equipment, the types of potting mix, preparing the orchid, repotting it and after care needed, whilst demonstrating these techniques on a large dendrobium orchid. Members brought their own plants which they repotted themselves under guidance from experienced orchid growers. All workstations were busy so morning tea and a browse round Michael’s orchid houses was in order whilst waiting a turn. Thank you to Michael and Margaret for allowing us to use their garage for our workspace, to Robert for his great instructions and Louise for morning tea and trade table. Thanks too, to all those who volunteered their time as supervisors or assistants to make this another successful day.
July 2024
Orchid lovers are a hardy bunch! Despite gusty winds and temperatures less than the number who turned out, a group of over twenty people arrived at Aranbeem Orchid Nursery, eager to learn and buy more items on their wish lists. We received a warm welcome from owner Rodney, his assistant Colin, and the unofficial greeter Charlie the Staffy.
Rodney has been a plant and orchid enthusiast since his youth, even once requesting a greenhouse as a present! Much of his working life has involved other activities, but during the disruption of Covid-19 brought a change of lifestyle and an expansion of his orchid collection, leading to a need for larger bush houses and the decision to purchase Aranbeem. He is now working hard on a repair and maintenance routine, hoping to reach his vision of hard roofs for the bush houses (currently shade cloth only) and more up to date features to give better climate control for the orchids in both the sales and propagating areas. For those of us with small home collections who find juggling the routine of watering, fertilising and pest control a challenge, seeing large bush houses like these gives a better appreciation of the difficulties of growing on a commercial scale. After Rodney’s talk, there was a break for the morning tea. We then adjourned to the sales area where very few had sufficient self-control to go home empty-handed! Robert then had to round up the group for a timely discussion on what we should be doing to prepare for Spring and repotting season or as he likes to call it ‘stocktake time.’
The New Growers group would like to express its thanks to Rodney for raffling some orchids to us on the day as well as generously giving of his time and knowledge. Thank you too, to Robert and Louise for making these events run so smoothly.
Orchid lovers are a hardy bunch! Despite gusty winds and temperatures less than the number who turned out, a group of over twenty people arrived at Aranbeem Orchid Nursery, eager to learn and buy more items on their wish lists. We received a warm welcome from owner Rodney, his assistant Colin, and the unofficial greeter Charlie the Staffy.
Rodney has been a plant and orchid enthusiast since his youth, even once requesting a greenhouse as a present! Much of his working life has involved other activities, but during the disruption of Covid-19 brought a change of lifestyle and an expansion of his orchid collection, leading to a need for larger bush houses and the decision to purchase Aranbeem. He is now working hard on a repair and maintenance routine, hoping to reach his vision of hard roofs for the bush houses (currently shade cloth only) and more up to date features to give better climate control for the orchids in both the sales and propagating areas. For those of us with small home collections who find juggling the routine of watering, fertilising and pest control a challenge, seeing large bush houses like these gives a better appreciation of the difficulties of growing on a commercial scale. After Rodney’s talk, there was a break for the morning tea. We then adjourned to the sales area where very few had sufficient self-control to go home empty-handed! Robert then had to round up the group for a timely discussion on what we should be doing to prepare for Spring and repotting season or as he likes to call it ‘stocktake time.’
The New Growers group would like to express its thanks to Rodney for raffling some orchids to us on the day as well as generously giving of his time and knowledge. Thank you too, to Robert and Louise for making these events run so smoothly.
June 2024
Ian has had a lifelong interest in growing orchids but did not get serious about it until 2011 when he built the first bush house. He and Ros were encouraged to join an orchid society after attending an orchid display at a shopping centre and their collection grew rapidly when visiting Shows. All the usual novice mistakes were made (plants not suited to our conditions, colour rather than shape) but on putting the knowledge gained at meetings into practice, success followed. The collection of cattleyas, dendrobiums and oncidiums grew, needing bush houses built on three sides of a garage for maximum use of space on a suburban block. The first bush house had extensive remodelling in 2020 with the gable roof converted to flat to increase the height and create more air flow. This one has small exhaust fans operated by a solar panel and roll down blinds on all sides. Watering and fertilising are done by hand. Ian’s main tips for orchid growing success are 1) persistence – if something is not working, try another way and 2) join an orchid club – there is always someone there to help you find the answer. Livia and the group members provided a delicious morning tea, followed by a talk by our educator Robert on 'Why we Fertilise our Orchids'.
Ian has had a lifelong interest in growing orchids but did not get serious about it until 2011 when he built the first bush house. He and Ros were encouraged to join an orchid society after attending an orchid display at a shopping centre and their collection grew rapidly when visiting Shows. All the usual novice mistakes were made (plants not suited to our conditions, colour rather than shape) but on putting the knowledge gained at meetings into practice, success followed. The collection of cattleyas, dendrobiums and oncidiums grew, needing bush houses built on three sides of a garage for maximum use of space on a suburban block. The first bush house had extensive remodelling in 2020 with the gable roof converted to flat to increase the height and create more air flow. This one has small exhaust fans operated by a solar panel and roll down blinds on all sides. Watering and fertilising are done by hand. Ian’s main tips for orchid growing success are 1) persistence – if something is not working, try another way and 2) join an orchid club – there is always someone there to help you find the answer. Livia and the group members provided a delicious morning tea, followed by a talk by our educator Robert on 'Why we Fertilise our Orchids'.
May 2024
Robert and Ashley's garden is about 15 years old. Originally, the garden was a blank slate having only palm trees and lawns. Some of the original palms were killed by lightning and were not replaced. The lawns were replaced with gravel, and they planted foliage plants and bromeliads. Sadly, they have trouble with possums. The garden is sectioned off into “rooms” with separate collections of plants. The garden is a significant and eclectic collection of a wide range of plants. The garden was featured on Gardening Australia around Sept ‘23 (see iView). Robert focusses on ferns and Tillandsias and orchids. Ashley has several large pitcher plants hanging amongst ferns. Behind them along the fence are a large collection of Crucifix (Epidendrum) orchids, that are all hybrids with large flowers. In the front garden, there is dry creek bed with small gargoyle fountain. Following a delicious morning tea provided by Livia, Robert spoke about wintering orchids, a topic relevant to this season of the year.
Robert and Ashley's garden is about 15 years old. Originally, the garden was a blank slate having only palm trees and lawns. Some of the original palms were killed by lightning and were not replaced. The lawns were replaced with gravel, and they planted foliage plants and bromeliads. Sadly, they have trouble with possums. The garden is sectioned off into “rooms” with separate collections of plants. The garden is a significant and eclectic collection of a wide range of plants. The garden was featured on Gardening Australia around Sept ‘23 (see iView). Robert focusses on ferns and Tillandsias and orchids. Ashley has several large pitcher plants hanging amongst ferns. Behind them along the fence are a large collection of Crucifix (Epidendrum) orchids, that are all hybrids with large flowers. In the front garden, there is dry creek bed with small gargoyle fountain. Following a delicious morning tea provided by Livia, Robert spoke about wintering orchids, a topic relevant to this season of the year.
April 2024
Grace purchased her large suburban block 34 years ago which gave her the luxury of being able to design and build both house and garden from scratch. She has pursued her passion for a range of plants and orchids for many years, integrating them into a harmonious whole. The original tropical garden changed to European style hedges then battled Brisbane’s drought. When plants become too labour-intensive Grace is not afraid to try a new theme and continues to work towards the goal of a low maintenance garden. She has a small bush house to protect some of her special orchids but prefers growing them in a natural environment. A constant fight against garden pests such as mealybug, moths, butterflies, and crows has resulted. Grace is equal to the task and has many showy specimen orchid plants as features in the garden. Deciding to focus more on orchid culture, Grace joined Aspley Orchid Society. Having to grow orchids in much smaller pots to transport them to meetings was another small challenge but a rewarding one as she has regular wins in the competitions. After a delicious morning tea with a decidedly Italian flavour provided by our members, expert grower Robert discussed the dendrobium genera of orchids – different flower shapes (phalaenanthe, spatulata, intermediate), growth forms (hard cane, soft cane etc) and culture. He also explained why they can be prone to keikis (baby plants) and how and when to separate them from the parent plant if this occurs.
Grace purchased her large suburban block 34 years ago which gave her the luxury of being able to design and build both house and garden from scratch. She has pursued her passion for a range of plants and orchids for many years, integrating them into a harmonious whole. The original tropical garden changed to European style hedges then battled Brisbane’s drought. When plants become too labour-intensive Grace is not afraid to try a new theme and continues to work towards the goal of a low maintenance garden. She has a small bush house to protect some of her special orchids but prefers growing them in a natural environment. A constant fight against garden pests such as mealybug, moths, butterflies, and crows has resulted. Grace is equal to the task and has many showy specimen orchid plants as features in the garden. Deciding to focus more on orchid culture, Grace joined Aspley Orchid Society. Having to grow orchids in much smaller pots to transport them to meetings was another small challenge but a rewarding one as she has regular wins in the competitions. After a delicious morning tea with a decidedly Italian flavour provided by our members, expert grower Robert discussed the dendrobium genera of orchids – different flower shapes (phalaenanthe, spatulata, intermediate), growth forms (hard cane, soft cane etc) and culture. He also explained why they can be prone to keikis (baby plants) and how and when to separate them from the parent plant if this occurs.
March 2024
Lionel started his orchid collection in 2014, specialising in soft cane Dendrobiums. Over the years, his orchids and anthuriums have been consistent prize winners at shows and meetings. He discussed his growing tips in all aspects of orchid culture and gave practical demonstrations of his techniques. In his growing area, the plants are hanging close together, so the canes naturally form a vase shape but still receive plenty of air movement. He recommends experimenting with growing locations in your garden, as sometimes the plants only need a small move to a new location to improve their growth. Following morning tea, provided by Louise, our educator Robert talked on the correct naming of orchids.
Lionel started his orchid collection in 2014, specialising in soft cane Dendrobiums. Over the years, his orchids and anthuriums have been consistent prize winners at shows and meetings. He discussed his growing tips in all aspects of orchid culture and gave practical demonstrations of his techniques. In his growing area, the plants are hanging close together, so the canes naturally form a vase shape but still receive plenty of air movement. He recommends experimenting with growing locations in your garden, as sometimes the plants only need a small move to a new location to improve their growth. Following morning tea, provided by Louise, our educator Robert talked on the correct naming of orchids.
February 2024
This is not our first visit to Livia’s place but this award-winning orchid grower at Aspley Orchid Society never disappoints with her diverse growing interests. She has a wide selection of tropical plants on her suburban block. As well as orchids, there are anthuriums, tillandsias, begonias, succulents and many others. She does not have a conventional shade house for her orchids but deals cleverly with the changing seasons by moving them from the north side of the house in winter to the south side in summer when the sun is directly overhead. The first group for 2024 was very well attended with many fresh faces appearing. Livia discussed her growing methods and after a busy Q & A session, morning tea was enjoyed. Robert, our resident expert began this year’s sessions with a talk on identifying the different genera of orchids and their cultural needs.
This is not our first visit to Livia’s place but this award-winning orchid grower at Aspley Orchid Society never disappoints with her diverse growing interests. She has a wide selection of tropical plants on her suburban block. As well as orchids, there are anthuriums, tillandsias, begonias, succulents and many others. She does not have a conventional shade house for her orchids but deals cleverly with the changing seasons by moving them from the north side of the house in winter to the south side in summer when the sun is directly overhead. The first group for 2024 was very well attended with many fresh faces appearing. Livia discussed her growing methods and after a busy Q & A session, morning tea was enjoyed. Robert, our resident expert began this year’s sessions with a talk on identifying the different genera of orchids and their cultural needs.
November 2023
For our final meeting for the year, we visited the home of Stephen and Margaret Roff, relative newcomers to the Society, they have been encouraged by the New Growers & Improvers group. Their interest in orchids began when they inherited her mother’s bush house. Starting with a mixture of genera including vandas and dendrobiums, Stephen is focusing more now on his favourites, the cattleyas. It soon became apparent that one bush house was not enough (who else has found that?) so they planned the second one carefully, deciding on placement to gain greatest benefit of sun exposure, type of shade cloth needed etc. He is also taking advantage of several large trees to mount suitable orchids.
Stephen spoke about their steep learning curve on orchid culture, particularly some setbacks when fitting in travelling holidays and interstate visits to family. He considers the three keys to growing improvement to be experimentation, persistence, and observation. Robert talked on ‘What Should I Look for When Buying an Orchid’ to help the novice grower identify a healthy plant when buying at shows, a most important point when you are starting a collection. A delicious morning tea supplied by Grace and Suzy was enjoyed by all. Thank you to everyone who has attended or supported the New Growers & Improvers Group this year and we look forward to another entertaining and informative time in 2024.
For our final meeting for the year, we visited the home of Stephen and Margaret Roff, relative newcomers to the Society, they have been encouraged by the New Growers & Improvers group. Their interest in orchids began when they inherited her mother’s bush house. Starting with a mixture of genera including vandas and dendrobiums, Stephen is focusing more now on his favourites, the cattleyas. It soon became apparent that one bush house was not enough (who else has found that?) so they planned the second one carefully, deciding on placement to gain greatest benefit of sun exposure, type of shade cloth needed etc. He is also taking advantage of several large trees to mount suitable orchids.
Stephen spoke about their steep learning curve on orchid culture, particularly some setbacks when fitting in travelling holidays and interstate visits to family. He considers the three keys to growing improvement to be experimentation, persistence, and observation. Robert talked on ‘What Should I Look for When Buying an Orchid’ to help the novice grower identify a healthy plant when buying at shows, a most important point when you are starting a collection. A delicious morning tea supplied by Grace and Suzy was enjoyed by all. Thank you to everyone who has attended or supported the New Growers & Improvers Group this year and we look forward to another entertaining and informative time in 2024.
October 2023
We couldn't wait to find out how Wayne's garden and collection had changed since we were last there 3 years ago. The landscaping has come a long way with retaining walls, a pond and an elevated shaded platform with a lovely view over the garden. The palms have grown large enough to have orchids and stags growing on their trunks. Underplantings of aroids, bromelaids and other tropical plants created a lush environment. One orchid house was shady because of its proximity to the house, so here grew shade loving orchids including the fragrant Stanhopea. The second orchid house was exposed to good sunlight and housed some Cattleyas, Phragmepediums, Australian native Cymbidiums and others. We were lucky enough to be able to purchase some of Wayne's extra plants at very reasonable process. Thanks Wayne. A morning tea feast was provided by Cheryl, Susy and others. There was much audience interest in Robert's topic 'Looking after your Orchids in Summer' and he fielded many questions from these keen new growers. Looking forward to seeing the fruits of their knowledge in the Novice Section when they flower in the future.
We couldn't wait to find out how Wayne's garden and collection had changed since we were last there 3 years ago. The landscaping has come a long way with retaining walls, a pond and an elevated shaded platform with a lovely view over the garden. The palms have grown large enough to have orchids and stags growing on their trunks. Underplantings of aroids, bromelaids and other tropical plants created a lush environment. One orchid house was shady because of its proximity to the house, so here grew shade loving orchids including the fragrant Stanhopea. The second orchid house was exposed to good sunlight and housed some Cattleyas, Phragmepediums, Australian native Cymbidiums and others. We were lucky enough to be able to purchase some of Wayne's extra plants at very reasonable process. Thanks Wayne. A morning tea feast was provided by Cheryl, Susy and others. There was much audience interest in Robert's topic 'Looking after your Orchids in Summer' and he fielded many questions from these keen new growers. Looking forward to seeing the fruits of their knowledge in the Novice Section when they flower in the future.
September 2023
A big crowd turned up to enjoy Graham and Cheryl's beautiful acreage garden, as well as learn some pearls of wisdom from this Champion Orchid growing duo. We were able to inspect Grahams's three orchids houses which contained mainly Cattleyas and some Dendrobiums. They were set in the business end of the garden with the veggies and fruit trees. Meanwhile Cheryl's orchid house was set closer to the house and surrounded by shrubs and flowering plants. It held a variety of orchids. The cottage garden at the front of the house was continued around to the back patio with a large colourful perennial garden. On the covered patio many flowering orchids were on display where they could be seen from inside the house. Large Dendrobium speciosum plants had naturalised through the back garden beds. Cheryl and others created a lovely spread for morning tea. Lynda gave a talk on Creating Microclimates for Orchids.
A big crowd turned up to enjoy Graham and Cheryl's beautiful acreage garden, as well as learn some pearls of wisdom from this Champion Orchid growing duo. We were able to inspect Grahams's three orchids houses which contained mainly Cattleyas and some Dendrobiums. They were set in the business end of the garden with the veggies and fruit trees. Meanwhile Cheryl's orchid house was set closer to the house and surrounded by shrubs and flowering plants. It held a variety of orchids. The cottage garden at the front of the house was continued around to the back patio with a large colourful perennial garden. On the covered patio many flowering orchids were on display where they could be seen from inside the house. Large Dendrobium speciosum plants had naturalised through the back garden beds. Cheryl and others created a lovely spread for morning tea. Lynda gave a talk on Creating Microclimates for Orchids.
August 2023
Members took advantage of our annual potting day to learn the basics of orchid repotting by practicing on their own plants. Experienced growers from the Society guided them through the process. The event was held in Michael's carport where we thoroughly messed up the floor. Louise helped the new people to choose the pots they would need and Lynda gave an introductory demonstration. Livia provided a lovely morning tea and Ros took the photos. In addition, Robert, Bev, Michael, Gordon and Lynda acted as support for the inexperienced repotters. It was truly a team effort from Aspley members to make our repotting day a success.
Members took advantage of our annual potting day to learn the basics of orchid repotting by practicing on their own plants. Experienced growers from the Society guided them through the process. The event was held in Michael's carport where we thoroughly messed up the floor. Louise helped the new people to choose the pots they would need and Lynda gave an introductory demonstration. Livia provided a lovely morning tea and Ros took the photos. In addition, Robert, Bev, Michael, Gordon and Lynda acted as support for the inexperienced repotters. It was truly a team effort from Aspley members to make our repotting day a success.
July 2023
Gordon is a specialist Phalaenopsis grower. He has created an enclosed orchid house where he can control the temperature and humidity Using fans (pic2), air is drawn in through a 'wet wall' which consists of cardboard mesh (pic 1) in a frame (pic 3) where water is constantly dripping through the mesh. At the time of our visit hundreds of Phalaenopsis plants were in flower spike but few were flowering just yet. In a month or two, the benches will be a mass of flowers. Gordon shared his knowledge with a good crowd of Aspley members with Lynda expanding on some of the very good points that he made. Gordon likes to make his own crosses and raises the baby plants to flowering size. Morning tea was eagerly partaken by the group as we were treated to warm sponge cake from Susy as well as the usual goodies from Livia and Louise. We are all looking forward to seeing Gordon's flowering Phalaenopsis on the benches at meetings in the coming months.
Gordon is a specialist Phalaenopsis grower. He has created an enclosed orchid house where he can control the temperature and humidity Using fans (pic2), air is drawn in through a 'wet wall' which consists of cardboard mesh (pic 1) in a frame (pic 3) where water is constantly dripping through the mesh. At the time of our visit hundreds of Phalaenopsis plants were in flower spike but few were flowering just yet. In a month or two, the benches will be a mass of flowers. Gordon shared his knowledge with a good crowd of Aspley members with Lynda expanding on some of the very good points that he made. Gordon likes to make his own crosses and raises the baby plants to flowering size. Morning tea was eagerly partaken by the group as we were treated to warm sponge cake from Susy as well as the usual goodies from Livia and Louise. We are all looking forward to seeing Gordon's flowering Phalaenopsis on the benches at meetings in the coming months.
June 2023
Nev grows his large collection of species orchids on a bush block using tank water only.... and he grows them very successfully. His large shadehouse contains a glasshouse at one end where plants are grown on large A frame stands. He has taken advantage of the slope inside the shadehouse to make a terrace where the long retaining wall is covered in dancing lady orchids. What a picture at flowering time. He spoke to us about the processes he uses for fertilising, watering, repotting and managing pests and diseases. There was plenty for our growers to learn about organising your materials so that those jobs are done efficiently and quickly. We enjoyed looking through his excess plants to find a gem to add to our own collections. After a delicious morning tea provided by Louise, Robert reminded us of the principles and importance of good orchid house hygiene. It was a very worthwhile morning. Thankyou to Nev and Val for their hospitality.
Nev grows his large collection of species orchids on a bush block using tank water only.... and he grows them very successfully. His large shadehouse contains a glasshouse at one end where plants are grown on large A frame stands. He has taken advantage of the slope inside the shadehouse to make a terrace where the long retaining wall is covered in dancing lady orchids. What a picture at flowering time. He spoke to us about the processes he uses for fertilising, watering, repotting and managing pests and diseases. There was plenty for our growers to learn about organising your materials so that those jobs are done efficiently and quickly. We enjoyed looking through his excess plants to find a gem to add to our own collections. After a delicious morning tea provided by Louise, Robert reminded us of the principles and importance of good orchid house hygiene. It was a very worthwhile morning. Thankyou to Nev and Val for their hospitality.
May 2023
On a fine but chilly Sunday, our group visited Barry and Ann’s orchid houses. Barry has a diverse collection which must be seen to be believed. He has been growing orchids for many years and has set up special conditions for some of the genera that he grows as can be seen by the fans and wet wall. One house is set up to have continual high humidity. His interests also include a large bromeliad collection. He is well versed in the technical aspects of orchid growing and converts that into a practical and experimental approach. His involvement in orchids goes beyond the growing and into judging and development. Barry delivered an informative presentation on how he grows his Softcane Dendrobiums. After a break for morning tea, Robert followed this up with a session on the different sections of the genus Dendrobium. We thank Barry and Ann for hosting the group.
On a fine but chilly Sunday, our group visited Barry and Ann’s orchid houses. Barry has a diverse collection which must be seen to be believed. He has been growing orchids for many years and has set up special conditions for some of the genera that he grows as can be seen by the fans and wet wall. One house is set up to have continual high humidity. His interests also include a large bromeliad collection. He is well versed in the technical aspects of orchid growing and converts that into a practical and experimental approach. His involvement in orchids goes beyond the growing and into judging and development. Barry delivered an informative presentation on how he grows his Softcane Dendrobiums. After a break for morning tea, Robert followed this up with a session on the different sections of the genus Dendrobium. We thank Barry and Ann for hosting the group.
April 2023
Members enjoyed an informative visit to the garden of Geoff and Carol viewing 3 shade houses for orchids and one for tillandsias. Their shade house with 35% cover was giving good results for their collection of hard cane Dendrobiums. Robert talked on orchid care during winter. Unfortunately, we did not have a photographer available that day to show off the species orchids and tillandsias which are Geoff and Carol’s specialties.
Members enjoyed an informative visit to the garden of Geoff and Carol viewing 3 shade houses for orchids and one for tillandsias. Their shade house with 35% cover was giving good results for their collection of hard cane Dendrobiums. Robert talked on orchid care during winter. Unfortunately, we did not have a photographer available that day to show off the species orchids and tillandsias which are Geoff and Carol’s specialties.
March 2023
Brendan houses a large collection in a corner of his suburban block. It was great to see some new orchid growing couples come along to learn the ropes. Brendan and Lynda shared some interesting growing tips which these keen people enthusiastically absorbed. For the rest of us Brendan demonstrated and talked about the various methods that he has experimented with to get his collection growing well. Because of the smallish space he has to work with, he likes to grow smaller species and attaches a lot of them on mounts. These grow well in the breezeway (pic) between the house and orchid house. He showed us how he has had success in using super glue to attach some really tiny seedlings to mounts and then adds jute string for protection for the new roots (pic). He has experimented with scoria (pic) and clay balls as growing medium. One microclimate that he has set up in the orchid house is placing a high shelf (pic) near the strong light and roof heat for plants that prefer a hot climate. He uses small 12V solar powered extraction fans (pic) to maintain air movement, especially during our recent hot weather. He also likes to experiment with making his own crosses by hand pollenating some of his more promising flowers. (pic - seedpods). After a delicious morning tea Robert spoke about the information we can glean about an orchid from its name which has been written using the correct scientific conventions.
Brendan houses a large collection in a corner of his suburban block. It was great to see some new orchid growing couples come along to learn the ropes. Brendan and Lynda shared some interesting growing tips which these keen people enthusiastically absorbed. For the rest of us Brendan demonstrated and talked about the various methods that he has experimented with to get his collection growing well. Because of the smallish space he has to work with, he likes to grow smaller species and attaches a lot of them on mounts. These grow well in the breezeway (pic) between the house and orchid house. He showed us how he has had success in using super glue to attach some really tiny seedlings to mounts and then adds jute string for protection for the new roots (pic). He has experimented with scoria (pic) and clay balls as growing medium. One microclimate that he has set up in the orchid house is placing a high shelf (pic) near the strong light and roof heat for plants that prefer a hot climate. He uses small 12V solar powered extraction fans (pic) to maintain air movement, especially during our recent hot weather. He also likes to experiment with making his own crosses by hand pollenating some of his more promising flowers. (pic - seedpods). After a delicious morning tea Robert spoke about the information we can glean about an orchid from its name which has been written using the correct scientific conventions.
February 2023
Ron and Barbara's garden left many of their orchid growing visitors a-gasp! Ron was the Cattleya grower, but also dabbled in lithops, tillandsias, nepenthes and begonias. What's more, he was downsizing his Cattleya collection and so was offering established plants at very good prices. Many Aspley members took the opportunity to increase their own collections. Barbara's horticultural passions lie elseware..... mostly bromeliads and succulents, but also ferns, cane begonias, hoyas, and a great variety of other interesting plants. The front garden was a wonderful display and the back garden housed 3 shade houses and a large walk-through fernery leading around the side of the house. Both of our hosts shared their plant growing story with us and responded to many questions from the large number of attendees. After a sumptuous morning tea thanks to Livia, Barbara and Louise, Robert led a talk that described the main orchid groups and their cultural needs. Once again there were many questions from our interested audience. We all learned a great deal. Another great Aspley success!
Ron and Barbara's garden left many of their orchid growing visitors a-gasp! Ron was the Cattleya grower, but also dabbled in lithops, tillandsias, nepenthes and begonias. What's more, he was downsizing his Cattleya collection and so was offering established plants at very good prices. Many Aspley members took the opportunity to increase their own collections. Barbara's horticultural passions lie elseware..... mostly bromeliads and succulents, but also ferns, cane begonias, hoyas, and a great variety of other interesting plants. The front garden was a wonderful display and the back garden housed 3 shade houses and a large walk-through fernery leading around the side of the house. Both of our hosts shared their plant growing story with us and responded to many questions from the large number of attendees. After a sumptuous morning tea thanks to Livia, Barbara and Louise, Robert led a talk that described the main orchid groups and their cultural needs. Once again there were many questions from our interested audience. We all learned a great deal. Another great Aspley success!
November 2022
What a treat it was to visit Livia's tropical garden. There was so much to look at with Livia utilising every available space on the small suburban block. And in among all the lushness was a large collection of healthy orchids. The needs of these orchids are cleverly met with close attention by the grower. They are grown on the north side of the house in winter and the south side in the summer when the sun is directly overhead. There was much interest from the 30 strong attendees as they admired the anthuriums, tillandsias, begonias, succulents and many other tropical plants. It was good to see a number of people for the first time. There were some lively questions and discussion when we discussed how to look after your orchids in the hot weather. Lynda and Livia were presented with a gift from the Aspley Orchid Society in recognition of their efforts running these monthly workshops for the last 8 years. In 2023 we look forward to a new set of workshops hosted by Robert Reitano.
What a treat it was to visit Livia's tropical garden. There was so much to look at with Livia utilising every available space on the small suburban block. And in among all the lushness was a large collection of healthy orchids. The needs of these orchids are cleverly met with close attention by the grower. They are grown on the north side of the house in winter and the south side in the summer when the sun is directly overhead. There was much interest from the 30 strong attendees as they admired the anthuriums, tillandsias, begonias, succulents and many other tropical plants. It was good to see a number of people for the first time. There were some lively questions and discussion when we discussed how to look after your orchids in the hot weather. Lynda and Livia were presented with a gift from the Aspley Orchid Society in recognition of their efforts running these monthly workshops for the last 8 years. In 2023 we look forward to a new set of workshops hosted by Robert Reitano.
Sept 2022
It was a much warmer and dryer day for our visit to Doug's collection than our previous visit earlier in the year. Visitors were rewarded with the chance to purchase many and varied orchids in flower. Doug's large collection of soft cane Dendrobiums were still opening and he shared his growing tips with us. As the pictures below will attest, Doug's many plants were a picture of heath and threatening to grow out of their pots...... great additions to any collection. Our delicious morning tea was interrupted by the neighbour's hen, yet again, when she announced loudly that she had just layed an egg in the box next to our sandwiches!
It was a much warmer and dryer day for our visit to Doug's collection than our previous visit earlier in the year. Visitors were rewarded with the chance to purchase many and varied orchids in flower. Doug's large collection of soft cane Dendrobiums were still opening and he shared his growing tips with us. As the pictures below will attest, Doug's many plants were a picture of heath and threatening to grow out of their pots...... great additions to any collection. Our delicious morning tea was interrupted by the neighbour's hen, yet again, when she announced loudly that she had just layed an egg in the box next to our sandwiches!
August 2022 - Annual Repotting Day
What an exciting morning it was to see so many keen orchid growers wanting to know how to repot their rampant orchids. Thanks to Michael and Margaret for once again allowing us to make a mess in their carport. And thanks to Ros and Ian for manning the trade table where growers could purchase the merchandise they needed at SALE prices. Thanks also to Sylvia who provided the stock out of her Aspley Trade Table supplies. Thanks too to the 'experts' who assisted the new growers on the day..... Stephen, Gordon, Michael. Dorothy, Lynda and Livia who doubled up by making the delicious morning tea. Stephen shared the progress of the large Dendrobium speciosum (pictured below) that he had put on a hardwood slab at last years potting day. Yes, it certainly takes a team of Aspley Orchid Society members to host this productive morning.
What an exciting morning it was to see so many keen orchid growers wanting to know how to repot their rampant orchids. Thanks to Michael and Margaret for once again allowing us to make a mess in their carport. And thanks to Ros and Ian for manning the trade table where growers could purchase the merchandise they needed at SALE prices. Thanks also to Sylvia who provided the stock out of her Aspley Trade Table supplies. Thanks too to the 'experts' who assisted the new growers on the day..... Stephen, Gordon, Michael. Dorothy, Lynda and Livia who doubled up by making the delicious morning tea. Stephen shared the progress of the large Dendrobium speciosum (pictured below) that he had put on a hardwood slab at last years potting day. Yes, it certainly takes a team of Aspley Orchid Society members to host this productive morning.
July 2022
The fine but chilly weather has continued with an excellent turnout by our participants. The group inspected both shade houses, the clothes hoist (for when you run out of space or need more sun!) and garden. Our host Bev who began her orchid collection ten years ago gave a talk on her cultural practices and tips for better orchid growing. As she regularly wins medals in the club’s end of year competition for benching at meetings, everyone was keen to learn her secrets. She grows a wide variety of orchids but admits that it makes it hard to care for all of them as well as she would like. Her preference is for Indian cane dendrobiums and catastetums. Dave had asked for problem plants to be brought along for discussion, but this did not go to plan. However, Bev was able to provide a few interesting specimens. The topic of when and when not to divide large healthy orchids was covered. Thank you to Bev for letting us view her collection and for assisting Louise to provide a delicious morning tea.
The fine but chilly weather has continued with an excellent turnout by our participants. The group inspected both shade houses, the clothes hoist (for when you run out of space or need more sun!) and garden. Our host Bev who began her orchid collection ten years ago gave a talk on her cultural practices and tips for better orchid growing. As she regularly wins medals in the club’s end of year competition for benching at meetings, everyone was keen to learn her secrets. She grows a wide variety of orchids but admits that it makes it hard to care for all of them as well as she would like. Her preference is for Indian cane dendrobiums and catastetums. Dave had asked for problem plants to be brought along for discussion, but this did not go to plan. However, Bev was able to provide a few interesting specimens. The topic of when and when not to divide large healthy orchids was covered. Thank you to Bev for letting us view her collection and for assisting Louise to provide a delicious morning tea.
June 2022
Finally, a fine crisp winter’s day for our group! Our host Greg has two greenhouses both covered with shade cloth. Despite being without a roof and at the mercy of the weather he produces beautiful cattleyas, vandas and dendrobiums on a regular basis, showing the value of plenty of air movement and light. Greg began growing orchids in the early 1980s in north Queensland but had to reduce his commitment when he shifted location to Brisbane. Since retiring he has returned to his orchid passion, deciding to join a society to increase his discipline and knowledge. One day he hopes a third bush house might be an option! He shared his growing practices, fertiliser, and pesticide choices. Dave talked about growing orchids on mounts and the best materials to use. This is more the way orchids grow in nature rather than in pots (more convenient for the owner) but requires different culture techniques. Thank you to Greg and Evonne (and Molly who enjoyed all the pats and attention!) for opening their home to us and to Livia for morning tea.
Finally, a fine crisp winter’s day for our group! Our host Greg has two greenhouses both covered with shade cloth. Despite being without a roof and at the mercy of the weather he produces beautiful cattleyas, vandas and dendrobiums on a regular basis, showing the value of plenty of air movement and light. Greg began growing orchids in the early 1980s in north Queensland but had to reduce his commitment when he shifted location to Brisbane. Since retiring he has returned to his orchid passion, deciding to join a society to increase his discipline and knowledge. One day he hopes a third bush house might be an option! He shared his growing practices, fertiliser, and pesticide choices. Dave talked about growing orchids on mounts and the best materials to use. This is more the way orchids grow in nature rather than in pots (more convenient for the owner) but requires different culture techniques. Thank you to Greg and Evonne (and Molly who enjoyed all the pats and attention!) for opening their home to us and to Livia for morning tea.
May 2022
The weather continues to test our resilience with a heavy drenching of rain that reduced attendance numbers. But orchid growers are made of sterner stuff and those who made it to Doug's were well rewarded with visiting his large glass house and benched area under shade. He also has a smaller area for soft cane dendrobiums, but these are not flowering at this time of year. It was impossible to resist making purchases with so many varieties of orchids (especially hard cane dendrobiums and cattleyas) available. Doug has been growing for many years and talked on the differences between hard cane and soft cane dendrobiums and their necessary growing conditions, despite the interruptions of a very persistent and noisy visitor who produced two eggs during the presentation (neighbour's hen)! After an excellent morning tea supplied by Livia, Dave spoke about water quality and pH. With the amount of rainfall we are currently receiving, all things relating to watering of orchids are very much on everyone's mind.
The weather continues to test our resilience with a heavy drenching of rain that reduced attendance numbers. But orchid growers are made of sterner stuff and those who made it to Doug's were well rewarded with visiting his large glass house and benched area under shade. He also has a smaller area for soft cane dendrobiums, but these are not flowering at this time of year. It was impossible to resist making purchases with so many varieties of orchids (especially hard cane dendrobiums and cattleyas) available. Doug has been growing for many years and talked on the differences between hard cane and soft cane dendrobiums and their necessary growing conditions, despite the interruptions of a very persistent and noisy visitor who produced two eggs during the presentation (neighbour's hen)! After an excellent morning tea supplied by Livia, Dave spoke about water quality and pH. With the amount of rainfall we are currently receiving, all things relating to watering of orchids are very much on everyone's mind.
April 2022
Trevor warned everyone to remember there was no protection from the sun as the group would be held outdoors. On the day, the weather brought frequent showers, so he and Leonie kindly found room to bring us all indoors (over 20 people)! Luckily, we managed to visit his shadehouses where he keeps his broad ranging collection of orchids. They have also taken over his clothesline and patio. He has been growing orchids for many years and like a lot of us began when he inherited some plants and needed to keep them alive. He joined Aspley Orchid Society in search of help and his collection has never looked back. Trevor now enjoys growing many generas especially bulbophyllums, vandas and cattleyas, but still finds room for oncidiums and dendrobiums. Thanks to Dave for generously agreeing to stand in as co-ordinator while Lynda is away. He led a wide-ranging question and answer session to cover the wants of the many new attendees who were eager for basic orchid growing tips and advice. Thanks to Livia for organisation on the day and to all who helped supply a lovely morning tea.
Trevor warned everyone to remember there was no protection from the sun as the group would be held outdoors. On the day, the weather brought frequent showers, so he and Leonie kindly found room to bring us all indoors (over 20 people)! Luckily, we managed to visit his shadehouses where he keeps his broad ranging collection of orchids. They have also taken over his clothesline and patio. He has been growing orchids for many years and like a lot of us began when he inherited some plants and needed to keep them alive. He joined Aspley Orchid Society in search of help and his collection has never looked back. Trevor now enjoys growing many generas especially bulbophyllums, vandas and cattleyas, but still finds room for oncidiums and dendrobiums. Thanks to Dave for generously agreeing to stand in as co-ordinator while Lynda is away. He led a wide-ranging question and answer session to cover the wants of the many new attendees who were eager for basic orchid growing tips and advice. Thanks to Livia for organisation on the day and to all who helped supply a lovely morning tea.
March 2022
Bruce was able to provide an ideal area for our workshop. His outdoor under-cover seating area faced directly into his open ended orchid collection with a shade cloth cover. The orchids were hanging at staggered heights with anthuriums growing below. This set up allows good air circulation around the orchid plants. Bruce grows Cattleyas almost exclusively, and most of those are the large exhibition types. We were delighted to see some lovely ones in flower. He recommends to beginning growers that they start out focussing on one or two genus only and Cattleyas are a good choice because their home habitat in south America means they grow well in Brisbane's climate. The photographer was enjoying the company and morning tea so much that she overlooked taking the usual group photos. But we still have some photos of Bruce's lovely plants to come.
Bruce was able to provide an ideal area for our workshop. His outdoor under-cover seating area faced directly into his open ended orchid collection with a shade cloth cover. The orchids were hanging at staggered heights with anthuriums growing below. This set up allows good air circulation around the orchid plants. Bruce grows Cattleyas almost exclusively, and most of those are the large exhibition types. We were delighted to see some lovely ones in flower. He recommends to beginning growers that they start out focussing on one or two genus only and Cattleyas are a good choice because their home habitat in south America means they grow well in Brisbane's climate. The photographer was enjoying the company and morning tea so much that she overlooked taking the usual group photos. But we still have some photos of Bruce's lovely plants to come.
February 2022
We had a good turnout to see Ken's collection at Suynnybank Hills. Ken has a varied collection in a large orchid house. Even the clothes line and the pool enclosure provide habitat for orchids. The orchid house gets good sunlight and air movement all around. Ken shade house has many hanging Dendrobiums as well as benches crammed with orchid treasures. These included Bulbophyllums, Cattleyas, Phragmepediums, Paphiopedilums, Vandas and even some types of Phalaenopsis. In additions, some quite unusual orchid types have snuck in. Ken creates different microclimates for these different genera by using mounts, different potting mixes. different light intensities by careful placements, and even watering some plants more often that others. This attention to detail would explain why he has received Champion ribbons on so many occasions. Thanks to Sharon and Livia for the lovely morning tea. Lynda followed morning tea with a talk for the beginners on recognising the basic orchid genera.
We had a good turnout to see Ken's collection at Suynnybank Hills. Ken has a varied collection in a large orchid house. Even the clothes line and the pool enclosure provide habitat for orchids. The orchid house gets good sunlight and air movement all around. Ken shade house has many hanging Dendrobiums as well as benches crammed with orchid treasures. These included Bulbophyllums, Cattleyas, Phragmepediums, Paphiopedilums, Vandas and even some types of Phalaenopsis. In additions, some quite unusual orchid types have snuck in. Ken creates different microclimates for these different genera by using mounts, different potting mixes. different light intensities by careful placements, and even watering some plants more often that others. This attention to detail would explain why he has received Champion ribbons on so many occasions. Thanks to Sharon and Livia for the lovely morning tea. Lynda followed morning tea with a talk for the beginners on recognising the basic orchid genera.
November #1
Good friends, Jan and Grace (pictured below) generously offered to have us at their gardens when our previously made arrangements had to be postponed. We visited Grace's garden first, so those are the first set of photos, then following is Jan's garden nearby where we had morning tea.
Grace's immaculate garden used camelias and some fruit as a backdrop for her lovely perennials with shady garden rooms for her begonias and other delicate plants. The many flowering orchids were in clusters on garden furniture as well as naturalised within the garden itself. Even the formal feature garden at the front included flowering Oncidiums and clumps of Cattleyas. Most impressive was a Stanhopea whose glorious flowers only open for 4 or 5 days and we were lucky enough to be there at the right time. The shade house provided R&R for those orchids not currently in flower.
Good friends, Jan and Grace (pictured below) generously offered to have us at their gardens when our previously made arrangements had to be postponed. We visited Grace's garden first, so those are the first set of photos, then following is Jan's garden nearby where we had morning tea.
Grace's immaculate garden used camelias and some fruit as a backdrop for her lovely perennials with shady garden rooms for her begonias and other delicate plants. The many flowering orchids were in clusters on garden furniture as well as naturalised within the garden itself. Even the formal feature garden at the front included flowering Oncidiums and clumps of Cattleyas. Most impressive was a Stanhopea whose glorious flowers only open for 4 or 5 days and we were lucky enough to be there at the right time. The shade house provided R&R for those orchids not currently in flower.
November #2
A short walk down the quiet street brought us to Jan's garden. Jan's orchids are mostly among the tropical plants that provided a wonderful setting for our morning tea. There were soft canes, Dendrobiums and Cattleyas hanging among the trees, a collection of Phalaenopsis in the shade of the bali hut, and a small orchid house tucked away down a garden path. There are chooks in the back corner as well as many fruit trees mixed in with the tropical plants. Apparently we just missed out on a feast of jaboticaba by days.
A short walk down the quiet street brought us to Jan's garden. Jan's orchids are mostly among the tropical plants that provided a wonderful setting for our morning tea. There were soft canes, Dendrobiums and Cattleyas hanging among the trees, a collection of Phalaenopsis in the shade of the bali hut, and a small orchid house tucked away down a garden path. There are chooks in the back corner as well as many fruit trees mixed in with the tropical plants. Apparently we just missed out on a feast of jaboticaba by days.
October
Over 30 people came to learn from Robert and see his orchid house and garden which was a delight to all visitors. He shared many gems with us including his use of plastic baskets for his large collection of Dendrobiums and a focus on keeping humidity high in his orchid house. An evaporative cooler helps, along with foggers, wet gravel floor and tubs of water plants. He also dabbles in a few other orchid Genera... Sarcochilus, Tolumnias, a large collection of native Cymbidiums and ex-Dockrillias, along with a mixture of other orchids which are naturalised in the garden. Robert and partner, Ashley, have made optimal use of their garden space with their latest addition being a swale with succulents. Morning tea was followed by tips for growing orchids in the hot period coming up.
Over 30 people came to learn from Robert and see his orchid house and garden which was a delight to all visitors. He shared many gems with us including his use of plastic baskets for his large collection of Dendrobiums and a focus on keeping humidity high in his orchid house. An evaporative cooler helps, along with foggers, wet gravel floor and tubs of water plants. He also dabbles in a few other orchid Genera... Sarcochilus, Tolumnias, a large collection of native Cymbidiums and ex-Dockrillias, along with a mixture of other orchids which are naturalised in the garden. Robert and partner, Ashley, have made optimal use of their garden space with their latest addition being a swale with succulents. Morning tea was followed by tips for growing orchids in the hot period coming up.
September
Nobody noticed the little 'sleeping' snake that they all stepped over on the paved area! It had appeared overnight.
The focus of Lynda's collection was the ways that she has tried to match the requirements of the different genera in her orchid house with the conditions that they like to grow in. Because the collection is spread over two orchid houses with narrow passages, Lynda shared this information using cards in appropriate places so that people could peruse them at their leisure. After a lovely morning tea, we finished off with a talk on orchid Pests and Diseases. Apologies to the attendees for not capturing you all on camera. These photos were taken after you all went home.
Nobody noticed the little 'sleeping' snake that they all stepped over on the paved area! It had appeared overnight.
The focus of Lynda's collection was the ways that she has tried to match the requirements of the different genera in her orchid house with the conditions that they like to grow in. Because the collection is spread over two orchid houses with narrow passages, Lynda shared this information using cards in appropriate places so that people could peruse them at their leisure. After a lovely morning tea, we finished off with a talk on orchid Pests and Diseases. Apologies to the attendees for not capturing you all on camera. These photos were taken after you all went home.
August
We organised our annual repotting day under Covid restrictions...which were fortunately relented on the day. Eight experienced helpers assisted Aspley members to repot the plants that they had brought along and Michael graciously allowed us to make a mess in his carport. Morning tea was partaken in shifts as members waited their turn to access one of the 8 work stations. We saw some large plants that desperately needed repotting and some smaller plants that just needed an expert's helping hand. Thanks to Sylvia and Pat for providing the materials that the freshly potted plants needed. Thanks to Livia for a delicious morning tea. But a special thanks to our helpers, Gordon, Cheryl, Kevin, Bev, Trevor, Michael G, Michael B, and Livia who worked continuously with members and their plants throughout the morning. Next year the goal is to make sure that they don't miss out on a cuppa and some cake.
We organised our annual repotting day under Covid restrictions...which were fortunately relented on the day. Eight experienced helpers assisted Aspley members to repot the plants that they had brought along and Michael graciously allowed us to make a mess in his carport. Morning tea was partaken in shifts as members waited their turn to access one of the 8 work stations. We saw some large plants that desperately needed repotting and some smaller plants that just needed an expert's helping hand. Thanks to Sylvia and Pat for providing the materials that the freshly potted plants needed. Thanks to Livia for a delicious morning tea. But a special thanks to our helpers, Gordon, Cheryl, Kevin, Bev, Trevor, Michael G, Michael B, and Livia who worked continuously with members and their plants throughout the morning. Next year the goal is to make sure that they don't miss out on a cuppa and some cake.
July
While a dry westerly wind lashed most of Brisbane, Michael's back garden was warm and still...ideal conditions for a winter visit to his orchid collection. We quickly discovered the origin of most of the very good mini-cats that had been benched at the day meeting two days before. But there were more treats in store for us. One was an unusual Trias picta with one tiny speckled flower and 40 buds. We hope to see that little gem on the show bench soon. Michael grows a variety of genera in his orchid house...Cattleya, Dendrobium, Catasetum, Bulbophyllum, Rhynchostylus, Vanda, Cymbidiums ...... and many of them were in bud or in flower while we were there. His orchid house is self constructed and mostly made from recycled materials. He has orchids on three levels.... hanging, on benches and under benches. This creates three levels of light exposure which he matches to the light requirements of his various orchids. We were able to appreciate why he is having so much success on the competition benches. While Livia's lovely cakes were on holiday, Tanya, Michael's wife, supplemented our morning tea. Thanks Tanya. Lynda gave a talk on fertiliser, demonstrating the value of an Electrical Conductivity meter. Thanks to all who attended wearing masks.
While a dry westerly wind lashed most of Brisbane, Michael's back garden was warm and still...ideal conditions for a winter visit to his orchid collection. We quickly discovered the origin of most of the very good mini-cats that had been benched at the day meeting two days before. But there were more treats in store for us. One was an unusual Trias picta with one tiny speckled flower and 40 buds. We hope to see that little gem on the show bench soon. Michael grows a variety of genera in his orchid house...Cattleya, Dendrobium, Catasetum, Bulbophyllum, Rhynchostylus, Vanda, Cymbidiums ...... and many of them were in bud or in flower while we were there. His orchid house is self constructed and mostly made from recycled materials. He has orchids on three levels.... hanging, on benches and under benches. This creates three levels of light exposure which he matches to the light requirements of his various orchids. We were able to appreciate why he is having so much success on the competition benches. While Livia's lovely cakes were on holiday, Tanya, Michael's wife, supplemented our morning tea. Thanks Tanya. Lynda gave a talk on fertiliser, demonstrating the value of an Electrical Conductivity meter. Thanks to all who attended wearing masks.
June
Paul helped us along our journey to growing beautiful Phalaenopsis by sharing his knowledge through a PowerPoint presentation. The text of this presentation shall be included in the society's monthly newsletter. Paul has some very high quality 'Phallies" flowering in his warm and well lit rumpus room. In addition he has two outside shade houses. One now receives a lot of shade from a neighbour's propery, but Paul is using those conditions to grow shade loving plants like Paphiopedilums, additional Phalaenopsis and incidentally, an unusual Paphinia Majestic which happened to be in flower at the time. The second orchid house had two sides wrapped in temporary sheeting to keep out the cold winter winds. This was housing a varied collection which included a large number of spatulata Dendrobiums. After a delicious afternoon tea we learned about matching your watering regime to the orchid mix you you are using.
Paul helped us along our journey to growing beautiful Phalaenopsis by sharing his knowledge through a PowerPoint presentation. The text of this presentation shall be included in the society's monthly newsletter. Paul has some very high quality 'Phallies" flowering in his warm and well lit rumpus room. In addition he has two outside shade houses. One now receives a lot of shade from a neighbour's propery, but Paul is using those conditions to grow shade loving plants like Paphiopedilums, additional Phalaenopsis and incidentally, an unusual Paphinia Majestic which happened to be in flower at the time. The second orchid house had two sides wrapped in temporary sheeting to keep out the cold winter winds. This was housing a varied collection which included a large number of spatulata Dendrobiums. After a delicious afternoon tea we learned about matching your watering regime to the orchid mix you you are using.
May
Kevin's collection has expanded since we last visited. He still has his Phalaenopsis (with most in spike), his soft canes, Cymbidiums and Vandas, but now we are seeing many Paphiopedilums, or lady slipper orchids, as well. Kevin has set up a growing area with a micro-climate that suits them and is even trying his hand at growing these tricky orchids from flask. He generously and enthusiastically shared his cultural tips and processes with us. We had a beautiful morning tea prepared by Livia and then some tips on how to look after your orchids in winter. The beautiful autumn weather was greatly enjoyed by the crowd of enthusiasts who took the time out of their Saturday to learn more about growing orchids.
Kevin's collection has expanded since we last visited. He still has his Phalaenopsis (with most in spike), his soft canes, Cymbidiums and Vandas, but now we are seeing many Paphiopedilums, or lady slipper orchids, as well. Kevin has set up a growing area with a micro-climate that suits them and is even trying his hand at growing these tricky orchids from flask. He generously and enthusiastically shared his cultural tips and processes with us. We had a beautiful morning tea prepared by Livia and then some tips on how to look after your orchids in winter. The beautiful autumn weather was greatly enjoyed by the crowd of enthusiasts who took the time out of their Saturday to learn more about growing orchids.
April -
Ken has a large collection of Dendrobiums and Aussie natives which has a grown successfully for many years. He makes his own hybrid crosses and grows them on to flowering sized plants. Many of us took advantage of his excess at very reasonable prices. He also shared with us the methods he uses in obtaining such healthy and floriferous plants. He is currently downsizing his collection and invites others who might like to purchase some of his plants to contact him at [email protected] We finished up the morning with a lovely morning tea and a talk on the many different types of Dendrobiums and how to look after them.
Ken has a large collection of Dendrobiums and Aussie natives which has a grown successfully for many years. He makes his own hybrid crosses and grows them on to flowering sized plants. Many of us took advantage of his excess at very reasonable prices. He also shared with us the methods he uses in obtaining such healthy and floriferous plants. He is currently downsizing his collection and invites others who might like to purchase some of his plants to contact him at [email protected] We finished up the morning with a lovely morning tea and a talk on the many different types of Dendrobiums and how to look after them.
March - Lionel
As predicted in last month's invitation to Lionel's collection, he has once again extended his growing areas. Immediately below he is standing with his Grammatophyllum, which last year at this time was given a National Award and Champion of the Show. Next you can see his Dove orchid which opens its flowers for one day after a storm (weren't we lucky). On the South side of his house he grows Anthuriums with Dendrobiums above, then on the north side Anthuriums with soft cane Dendrobiums above. Following that we can see the growing conditions inside his main orchid house, then inside his Vanda house.....plenty of aerial roots there. Next is a native orchid growing on a mount, followed by 4 interesting orchids that happened to be in flower. Next is Jan standing beside a well grown, tall spatulata Dendrobium. After Lionel shared his many tips with us, we had a lovely morning tea (thanks Livia) and Lynda gave a talk about what you can learn from your orchid's name tag. There were 30 keen growers attending, some of them visitors from North Brisbane Orchid Society. The remaining pictures are of some of those keen growers. Thanks to Lionel and Margaret for sharing their home and garden with us.
As predicted in last month's invitation to Lionel's collection, he has once again extended his growing areas. Immediately below he is standing with his Grammatophyllum, which last year at this time was given a National Award and Champion of the Show. Next you can see his Dove orchid which opens its flowers for one day after a storm (weren't we lucky). On the South side of his house he grows Anthuriums with Dendrobiums above, then on the north side Anthuriums with soft cane Dendrobiums above. Following that we can see the growing conditions inside his main orchid house, then inside his Vanda house.....plenty of aerial roots there. Next is a native orchid growing on a mount, followed by 4 interesting orchids that happened to be in flower. Next is Jan standing beside a well grown, tall spatulata Dendrobium. After Lionel shared his many tips with us, we had a lovely morning tea (thanks Livia) and Lynda gave a talk about what you can learn from your orchid's name tag. There were 30 keen growers attending, some of them visitors from North Brisbane Orchid Society. The remaining pictures are of some of those keen growers. Thanks to Lionel and Margaret for sharing their home and garden with us.
February - John
In February we visited John's collection. John has two orchid houses set in a beautifully landscaped property.... one joined to the house (in fact John can see into it from inside the house via a window)..... and a larger orchid house in the horse paddock (very friendly horses). He grows cool growing orchids in the orchid house near the house (mostly Miltoniopsis, Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis) and the rest of his collection in the shade house further away. The cool orchid house was a sight to behold with many Miltoniopsis in glorious flower at the time. John has used a number of ingenious additions to create this cooler, humidified atmosphere. Firstly he has surrounded the frame with transparent polycarbonate sheeting and shade cloth. Next he has installed atomised sprayers under the benches on a timer system. He uses ceiling fans to maintain air movement and even a large mirror on one wall to maximise reflected light. Lastly he has installed an unwanted air conditioner....such lucky plants. And the results speak for themselves. John shared lots of his growing tips with us. Thanks for your generosity, John, and thanks to Livia for the delicious morning tea.
In February we visited John's collection. John has two orchid houses set in a beautifully landscaped property.... one joined to the house (in fact John can see into it from inside the house via a window)..... and a larger orchid house in the horse paddock (very friendly horses). He grows cool growing orchids in the orchid house near the house (mostly Miltoniopsis, Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis) and the rest of his collection in the shade house further away. The cool orchid house was a sight to behold with many Miltoniopsis in glorious flower at the time. John has used a number of ingenious additions to create this cooler, humidified atmosphere. Firstly he has surrounded the frame with transparent polycarbonate sheeting and shade cloth. Next he has installed atomised sprayers under the benches on a timer system. He uses ceiling fans to maintain air movement and even a large mirror on one wall to maximise reflected light. Lastly he has installed an unwanted air conditioner....such lucky plants. And the results speak for themselves. John shared lots of his growing tips with us. Thanks for your generosity, John, and thanks to Livia for the delicious morning tea.
December - Sylvia
This belated posting shows Sylvia's orchids as they were in late November. For a small suburban block, Sylvia has squeezed in a lot of orchid growing space. She has also cleverly expanded and modified some of her structures to provide better orchid growing conditions. Pictured you can see how she adds an extra layer of shade cloth to the western end of one orchid house in the hot afternoons. One of her several orchid houses was originally covered in plastic but she re-stitched a new cover in shade cloth. As you can see, she had some lovely orchids in flower. Even the sun room at the back of the house displayed a well grown collection of African Violets.
This belated posting shows Sylvia's orchids as they were in late November. For a small suburban block, Sylvia has squeezed in a lot of orchid growing space. She has also cleverly expanded and modified some of her structures to provide better orchid growing conditions. Pictured you can see how she adds an extra layer of shade cloth to the western end of one orchid house in the hot afternoons. One of her several orchid houses was originally covered in plastic but she re-stitched a new cover in shade cloth. As you can see, she had some lovely orchids in flower. Even the sun room at the back of the house displayed a well grown collection of African Violets.
November - Pauline and Gordon
Pauline likes to grow Phalaenopsis with much success. She has a dedicated shade house on the eastern side of the house and has set up some shaded areas for some Cattleyas in the back garden. Some of these Phalaenopsis have been flowering for her for quite a few years. Apologies to Pauline for the limited number of photos as they got lost in the "cloud" somewhere between my phone and computer.
Pauline likes to grow Phalaenopsis with much success. She has a dedicated shade house on the eastern side of the house and has set up some shaded areas for some Cattleyas in the back garden. Some of these Phalaenopsis have been flowering for her for quite a few years. Apologies to Pauline for the limited number of photos as they got lost in the "cloud" somewhere between my phone and computer.
Gordon's flowers have featured on the New Growers pages before. This time he is featured with some flowering Phalaenopsis which he has bred himself. That means that he pollenated the flowers, having carefully chosen the parent plants, sent away the seed pods to a laboratory to be germinated in sealed flasks, removed the seedlings from the flasks and grown them on to flowering size with high hopes for champion flowers. This process explains the large number of identical looking flowers in the photo. This process takes about 5 years. Following the Phallies is a Brassia or Spider Orchid and two Sarcochilus. These can be quite tricky to flower in Brisbane and are more successfully flowered in cooler areas, so well done Gordon. Lastly is a nicely spotted Tolumnia.
October - Louise
Louise started out growing some gifted Phalaenopsis on her back deck with considerable success. She now grows orchids in other places in her garden also , and loves to bring them into the covered deck close to her living area. Currently she has soft cane dendrobiums and intermediate dendrobiums on the deck as well as Phalaenopsis.
Louise started out growing some gifted Phalaenopsis on her back deck with considerable success. She now grows orchids in other places in her garden also , and loves to bring them into the covered deck close to her living area. Currently she has soft cane dendrobiums and intermediate dendrobiums on the deck as well as Phalaenopsis.
Some small shade houses house a variety of small orchids. Louise as been experimenting with growing on orchids from flasks. A top knot has taken up residence in one of her pots and is now raising two chicks. In flower at the moment is an Ansellia africana and a Dendrobium aphyllum.
Louise finds that Ludisia discolor grows well in her conditions. Also flowering is an Epidendrum and Den. superbum.
October - Bill
Since our Aspley members seem to be keen to show us what their orchids look like, Bill's is the first collection we will be looking at in October. Come back in a week's time to have a look at Louise's lovely flowers.
Bill is an experienced, long time grower who grows mostly species orchids, many of which have received quality and cultural awards. What he does differently is grows a lot of his orchids on mounts. Over the years he has been experimenting with different materials for mounts, finding that tree fern slabs work well for him. But in recent times he has been trialing polystyrene slabs that have been painted with brown acrylic paint which both camouflages them and prevents the polystyrene from being degraded by uv light. The plants even send their roots right through the polystyrene slabs. As you will see from the pictures, he still has quite a few plants to repot in the spring. Although the species flowers may not be as showy as some, it's a very interesting collection, grown by a master.
Since our Aspley members seem to be keen to show us what their orchids look like, Bill's is the first collection we will be looking at in October. Come back in a week's time to have a look at Louise's lovely flowers.
Bill is an experienced, long time grower who grows mostly species orchids, many of which have received quality and cultural awards. What he does differently is grows a lot of his orchids on mounts. Over the years he has been experimenting with different materials for mounts, finding that tree fern slabs work well for him. But in recent times he has been trialing polystyrene slabs that have been painted with brown acrylic paint which both camouflages them and prevents the polystyrene from being degraded by uv light. The plants even send their roots right through the polystyrene slabs. As you will see from the pictures, he still has quite a few plants to repot in the spring. Although the species flowers may not be as showy as some, it's a very interesting collection, grown by a master.
On entering the orchid house, we were presented with this magnificent specimum of Den. jonesii 'Magnificum', then welcomed by Bill and his plants. The Bulbophyllum growing on a totem (right) shows how successful this growing technique has been for Bill.
Louise admires a mounted flowering yellow Den jenkensii,, while related Dendrobium densiflorum flowers nearby and further away, Jumellea aracnantha .
Here are some more colourful members of the collection........ Dendrochilum wenzellii, Dendrobium sanderae var. major, Bulbophyllum basisetum, Cattleya maxima, Vanda robeblingiana, Deniella polystachus....all species, as nature made them, although I imagine life would have been tougher away from Bill's orchid house!
September
Several months have passed since a post to this page. But Jan has generously offered to show us the wonderful soft cane dendrobiums that are in flower in her plentiful garden at the moment. These dendrobiums are spring flowering. They lose a lot of their leaves in winter then reward us with lots of flowers on bare stems in spring (Although it would appear that the protected conditions in Jan's back yard have caused many of these soft canes to hold on to their leaves). Jan grows them outside in the dappled shade of her tropical garden, and under fruit trees along with the native bees. She has many cattleyas in her garden also, but it is the soft cane dendrobiums that all flower together in spring. Enjoy.
Several months have passed since a post to this page. But Jan has generously offered to show us the wonderful soft cane dendrobiums that are in flower in her plentiful garden at the moment. These dendrobiums are spring flowering. They lose a lot of their leaves in winter then reward us with lots of flowers on bare stems in spring (Although it would appear that the protected conditions in Jan's back yard have caused many of these soft canes to hold on to their leaves). Jan grows them outside in the dappled shade of her tropical garden, and under fruit trees along with the native bees. She has many cattleyas in her garden also, but it is the soft cane dendrobiums that all flower together in spring. Enjoy.
June is nearly over, and fortunately things seem to be improving. Our orchids have continued to flower, so this month I am posting some of the more unusual orchids that have been flowering in my own collection this month. Winter is usually the time for exhibition Cattleyas and Dendrobiums, but there are many other types of orchids that flower in June as well.
The first group of 10 belong to the Catasetum type. These are all deciduous orchids which have mostly lost their leaves by the time their flowers open. They are easy to grow so long as you make sure you keep them dry in the winter and feed them up in the growing season. They are unusual looking flowers. Some even have separate male and female flowers which look different. Scroll down for more...... In the meantime, keep your eye out for some of these unusual but rewarding plants.
Below are a couple pf Oncidiums. The first is a hybrid and the second is a species...Zelancoa onusta. Not all Oncidiums are yellow. Scroll down for more......
Below are three of the more unusual Dendrobiums. The first two are Australian native species...'bowmanii' and 'affine'. The third is a laturiae type of Dendrobium from new Guinea.
Below is a mixture of orchid genera. The first two are Bulbophyllums, the next is a Paphiopedilum or "Lady Slipper Orchid', the next is similar in appearance to the Paphiopedilum with its pouch, but is in fact a Phragmipedium. Finally we have a Habenaria (which will usually have scores of flowers on a stem, but mine is just a baby) and an African species, Ansellia africana.
May has came and still we are not able to hold our usual monthly New Grower's Workshop. But that doesn't mean that our orchids have stopped flowering. Below are some pictures from flowering plants from 3 of our members' collections. To begin we have Phalaenopsis and Vandas. Next we have full shaped Dendrobiums, including our own Cooktown orchid, and a Cattleya with splashed petals. Next is a Cattleya, Coelogyne and more Dendrobiums. Next is a Paphiopedilum, a basket of small flowered orchids and a Bulbophyllum. The last row contains another Bulbophyllum and two Cattleyas. What a shame there are no meetings or shows to show off these lovely flowers.
Next month I will post some pictures of some of our more unusual orchids that are in flower during that month. Although, the Bulbophyllums in these pictures probably fit the category of unusual looking orchids.
Here's hoping that we will be able to restart our workshops in July.
Next month I will post some pictures of some of our more unusual orchids that are in flower during that month. Although, the Bulbophyllums in these pictures probably fit the category of unusual looking orchids.
Here's hoping that we will be able to restart our workshops in July.
21st March
Since we couldn't hold our March workshop, here's a little taster so that you know what to look forward to next year when we try again to hold a workshop at Ian and Ros's collection. Pictured is Ian's main orchid house, but out of sight are three other smaller structures where Ian has shown how you can utilise every small, out of the way space on a suburban block to grow plenty of orchids. Oh well..... until next time. Thanks for generously offering your collection and lovely garden for our workshop Ian and Ros.
Next month's anticipated visit to Ken's dendrobium collection has also been cancelled.
Since we couldn't hold our March workshop, here's a little taster so that you know what to look forward to next year when we try again to hold a workshop at Ian and Ros's collection. Pictured is Ian's main orchid house, but out of sight are three other smaller structures where Ian has shown how you can utilise every small, out of the way space on a suburban block to grow plenty of orchids. Oh well..... until next time. Thanks for generously offering your collection and lovely garden for our workshop Ian and Ros.
Next month's anticipated visit to Ken's dendrobium collection has also been cancelled.
29 Feb
Our first New Grower's workshop of the year drew over 30 people who were inspired by Cheryl and Graham's large garden and orchid houses. Our hosts were relieved that the recent rain had changed the garden from a drought stricken property to colourful gardens surrounded by a green oasis. We were well looked after on the large deck and the gazebo. Cheryl's orchid house is nestled among the beautiful gardens while Graham's are close to the veggie garden and fruit trees. Their prowess in growing orchids was demonstrated when many of us presented the identical triplets of dendrobium seedlings we had all potted up last year. Theirs were the only ones that had reached flowering size. The many beginning orchid growers present kept workshop presenter, Lynda, on her toes with lots of questions. Livia and others provided a tasty morning tea. The beautiful weather helped to make it a day to remember.
Our first New Grower's workshop of the year drew over 30 people who were inspired by Cheryl and Graham's large garden and orchid houses. Our hosts were relieved that the recent rain had changed the garden from a drought stricken property to colourful gardens surrounded by a green oasis. We were well looked after on the large deck and the gazebo. Cheryl's orchid house is nestled among the beautiful gardens while Graham's are close to the veggie garden and fruit trees. Their prowess in growing orchids was demonstrated when many of us presented the identical triplets of dendrobium seedlings we had all potted up last year. Theirs were the only ones that had reached flowering size. The many beginning orchid growers present kept workshop presenter, Lynda, on her toes with lots of questions. Livia and others provided a tasty morning tea. The beautiful weather helped to make it a day to remember.
Feb 22
Twenty-four newcomers came to our "Beginning with Orchids" workshop at Aranbeem Orchid Nursery. Nursery owner, Ross Maidment, shared the basics of orchid growing and demonstrated how to repot an orchid. Attendees went home with an orchid plant to practice on.
Twenty-four newcomers came to our "Beginning with Orchids" workshop at Aranbeem Orchid Nursery. Nursery owner, Ross Maidment, shared the basics of orchid growing and demonstrated how to repot an orchid. Attendees went home with an orchid plant to practice on.
26 Oct 2019
Oct 26
On Oct 26 we visited the collection of Margaret and Brian who live on a large block at Caboolture. Because of the distance needed to travel, less than the usual number of people turned up to learn from these great growers. As Margaret's collection has grown, so have the orchid houses. The last and largest orchid house was built by Margaret and Brian over 12 months with much of the material being recycled from other structures. This roomy orchid house left most of us suffering from 'orchid house envy'. In particular, the A frame stands in the middle provided easy access to mounted plants. We saw a wide variety of plants in flower. Running in the background was also a slide show of photos of orchids that have flowered on the premises. Some of us went home with some lovely orchid plants that were for sale. There was plenty of food for all at morning tea.
Sept 21
Sept 21
f21Sept 2019 - A record crowd of 48 turned up to visit Kath and Doug's collection and hear Doug's words of wisdom on growing various types of Dendrobiums. In addition, many happy people walked out with flowering plants from their large collection. We inspected the three main sections of the orchid growing areas........ the glasshouse, with it's large A frames of warm growing Dendrobiums; the benched area under shade with rows of species, hybrids and large specimen plants; the old pool enclosure which has been converted into a specialist softcane area under 30% shade. These soft canes were making a magnificent flowering display. After a tasty morning tea, we finished up with a talk on' What your plant tag can tell you about an Orchid'. Kath and Doug have invited us back next year when the hard cane Dendrobiums will be in flower. Can't wait!
17 August 2019
A good crowd turned up to get some instruction and practical experience on repotting orchids at our annual repotting day. It was held at Michael's home where a nice big carport provided under cover space for this messy activity. We needed some experienced club members to provide that practical guidance at the eight work stations. So thanks to Peter, Trish, Livia, Bev, Kerrie, Richard, Gordon and Geoff. Thanks also to Sylvia for providing the trade table where people could buy the pots that they needed and Livia for the tasty morning tea. And a special thanks to Michael and Margaret for once again hosting this activity for the Aspley New Growers. It was a great day.
A good crowd turned up to get some instruction and practical experience on repotting orchids at our annual repotting day. It was held at Michael's home where a nice big carport provided under cover space for this messy activity. We needed some experienced club members to provide that practical guidance at the eight work stations. So thanks to Peter, Trish, Livia, Bev, Kerrie, Richard, Gordon and Geoff. Thanks also to Sylvia for providing the trade table where people could buy the pots that they needed and Livia for the tasty morning tea. And a special thanks to Michael and Margaret for once again hosting this activity for the Aspley New Growers. It was a great day.
Saturday 20 July
Thirty-eight members and visitors braved the foggers and under bench sprayers to inspect Lynda's orchid collection. Many growers brought in the three dendrobium seedlings they had potted at Gordon's place 2 months before. Gordon inspected them and noted that, in general, those potted in spaghnum moss showed more growth. We will continue to monitor their growth. A variety of plants were in flower but winter flowering exhibition cattleys were the most impressive. Some generous donations by Ellen and Louise helped to enhance the lovely morning tea regularly provided by Livia. Lynda shared some tips on ways to use evaporation to cool your orchid house and add humidity. This was followed up with info on pests and diseases.
Thirty-eight members and visitors braved the foggers and under bench sprayers to inspect Lynda's orchid collection. Many growers brought in the three dendrobium seedlings they had potted at Gordon's place 2 months before. Gordon inspected them and noted that, in general, those potted in spaghnum moss showed more growth. We will continue to monitor their growth. A variety of plants were in flower but winter flowering exhibition cattleys were the most impressive. Some generous donations by Ellen and Louise helped to enhance the lovely morning tea regularly provided by Livia. Lynda shared some tips on ways to use evaporation to cool your orchid house and add humidity. This was followed up with info on pests and diseases.
Saturday June 15
About 30 people visited Geoff and Carol 's collection. We took our time looking and learning as we wandered through the various bush houses. Geoff generously shared many growing tips with us. These included alternative ways to grow different orchid species as well as ways to deter the many pests that orchid growers encounter. His methods clearly work as the orchids were in great condition. After a tasty morning tea, Gordon gave a talk on the different types of Dendrobiums and their culture.
About 30 people visited Geoff and Carol 's collection. We took our time looking and learning as we wandered through the various bush houses. Geoff generously shared many growing tips with us. These included alternative ways to grow different orchid species as well as ways to deter the many pests that orchid growers encounter. His methods clearly work as the orchids were in great condition. After a tasty morning tea, Gordon gave a talk on the different types of Dendrobiums and their culture.
Saturday May 25
Over 40 people came along to see Gordon's wonderful orchid collection and participate in a large growing experiment. Firstly we were impressed with Gordon's controlled environment Phalaenopsis house, but his Oncidium house, Dendrobium house and Vanda houses also displayed healthy plants and lovely flowers. Next we each potted up 3 Dendrobium seedlings from community pots into 3 individual pots using a different mix for each one. Over the coming months we will bring our plants along and compare their growth. Gordon had provided 6 workbenches to accommodate this activity. We enjoyed a tasty morning tea and finished off with a talk on preparing your orchids for winter. Many good ideas were shared.
Over 40 people came along to see Gordon's wonderful orchid collection and participate in a large growing experiment. Firstly we were impressed with Gordon's controlled environment Phalaenopsis house, but his Oncidium house, Dendrobium house and Vanda houses also displayed healthy plants and lovely flowers. Next we each potted up 3 Dendrobium seedlings from community pots into 3 individual pots using a different mix for each one. Over the coming months we will bring our plants along and compare their growth. Gordon had provided 6 workbenches to accommodate this activity. We enjoyed a tasty morning tea and finished off with a talk on preparing your orchids for winter. Many good ideas were shared.
On May 18 nineteen keen orchid growers attended our "Beginning with Orchids" workshop held at Aranbeem Orchid Nursery. Nursery owner, Ross Maidment shared some pointers about the basics of growing orchids as well as some historical and horticultural background behind these beautiful flowers. The new growers went home with a free plant to practice on thanks to Aspley Orchid Society and Aranbeem.
13 April
A good crowd drove over the river to visit Barry's large collection of orchids and bromelaids. Most impressive was the two controlled atmosphere Phalaenopsis houses as well as the large specimen orchid plants in the open bush houses. Barry shared his wisdom by explaining to us the finer points of watering an orchid collection. He showed us his special watering frame (pictured) for watering his large number of Phalaenopsis quickly. He demonstrated how to measure if you have the optimal amount of fertiliser in your water. He does this by measuring the electrical conductivity of the solution with an EC meter (pictured) which is placed in the solution. Also pictured is a simple way of elevating plants which have pendulous flowers. The cards being held up by some attendees are reminders about the conditions that will change the frequency of watering. Ann and Livia provided a lovely morning tea. The workshop was certainly worth the drive.
17 March
17 March
17 March
Sat16/Sun 18 March
What we thought was a problem turned out to be an opportunity when plans for our visit to Nev Bone's collection had to be changed at short notice. Thank you to Margaret and Stephen for allowing us to use their home for our workshop on Saturday. The unexpected bonus was a lovely downstairs space when the weather was showery and the beautiful tropical garden that surrounded it. This included their 20 year old king ferns, the family 40 year old gerbras and Margaret's mother's orchid house. The workshop topic was 'Fertilising your Orchids'. Some of the attendees went on to visit the Plant Fair nearby at Doomben Racecourse.
Then on Sunday we did get to visit Nev's collection. In spite of having just returned from a holiday, Nev's orchids were in good condition thanks to the automatic watering system that runs off 30 megalitre tanks. Nev's main message for our new growers is ORGANISATION! Have all your materials organised with access for immediate use when needed. Next Nev treated us to a walk through his bush block where he has attached his spare orchids to trees. Val put on a lovely morning tea which was supplemented by Ellen's delicious biscuits. Thanks ladies.
What we thought was a problem turned out to be an opportunity when plans for our visit to Nev Bone's collection had to be changed at short notice. Thank you to Margaret and Stephen for allowing us to use their home for our workshop on Saturday. The unexpected bonus was a lovely downstairs space when the weather was showery and the beautiful tropical garden that surrounded it. This included their 20 year old king ferns, the family 40 year old gerbras and Margaret's mother's orchid house. The workshop topic was 'Fertilising your Orchids'. Some of the attendees went on to visit the Plant Fair nearby at Doomben Racecourse.
Then on Sunday we did get to visit Nev's collection. In spite of having just returned from a holiday, Nev's orchids were in good condition thanks to the automatic watering system that runs off 30 megalitre tanks. Nev's main message for our new growers is ORGANISATION! Have all your materials organised with access for immediate use when needed. Next Nev treated us to a walk through his bush block where he has attached his spare orchids to trees. Val put on a lovely morning tea which was supplemented by Ellen's delicious biscuits. Thanks ladies.
Feb 23, 2019
Thank goodness the forecast cyclone did not materialize for our first visit of the year. We got to enjoy Livia's tropical garden, her tillansia collection, her orchid collection and her delicious cooking at morning tea. She also shared the strategies she uses to successfully grow prize winning orchids on her narrow block. Lynda shared a technique for growing Bulbophyllums, then covered the basic orchid genera for the beginning orchid growers who attended. It was a great start to the year.
Nov 3, 2018
Warm summer weather graced us for a visit to Rosa's collection on Sat 3rd November. Unfortunately the warm weather had put an end to our hopes for a great display of Indian dendrobiums as most of those flowers were spent. But we were not disappointed and the photos represent some of the other plants that were flowering beautifully. As well as sharing her collection of orchids with us, Rosa shared some pearls of wisdom and her large coffee cake. Many stayed on for a talk on 'Preparing your Orchids for Summer' . There were requests for more info on setting up flowers for show bench presentation. This will be a topic for the New Year. Till next year... Seasons Greetings
Oct 20, 2018
On 20 October, eighteen people braved the Gateway to learn how Steve grows his orchids. On the previous evening his Cattleya schilleriana had won Champion Orchid at the Mt Coot-tha Show. Congratulations Steve. Steve grows mainly species Cattleyas in his two orchid houses. One is a standard shade cloth covered house and the other is covered in mostly polycarbonate sheeting. Steve demonstrated how he is constructing a fogger which will introduce humidity into his orchid house as well as reduce the temperature in hot weather. Six lucky growers won a Tolumnia orchid in a raffle that Steve provided. It was an informative morning.
Sept 15
Over 30 people came along to learn about re-potting orchids on our annual Re-potting Day in September. New growers enjoyed looking through Michael's 3 specialty orchid houses. Lynda gave a demonstration then learners visited one of 8 different stations where helpers gave advice on how to repot their orchid. Helping these learners were Aspley Orchid Society members Trish, Peter, Ian, Glenys, Gordon, Livia, Michael and Lynda. The Society also provided all materials for a small cost. Thanks to Sylvia and Bob for setting up the trade table. Margaret, Livia, Louise and Ellen provided a sumptuous morning tea. As you can see, It took quite a team to hold this event. Well done Aspley.
Aug 18, 2018
In August, twenty-five of us gathered to see Dave's collection of Dendrobium speciosum or King Orchids. Over time Dave has collected specimums of the many varieties of this orchid that occur all across Eastern Australia. We were able to observe the differences in the flowers of these varieties. Dave also showed us other flowering Australian native species from the tiny Dendrobium lichenastrum to the renamed Dendrobium teretifolium. After a delicious morning tea, we finished up looking at some colourful Australian native hybrids. Immediately afterwards, many of us traveled to the Australian Native Orchid Show at Strathpine. The auditorium was filled with the fragrance of thousands of Aussie native orchids and the venue provided an opportunity to purchase plants for our own collections. Thanks for a great morning Dave.
July 21
In July we visited Wayne's collection. Wayne has well grown orchids in his beautifully landscaped garden as well as in two "open" style orchid houses. The annex to his lower orchid house provided an area for repotting and materials storage and it was the envy of many of us. 38 of us squeezed onto Wayne's his back deck to hear his tips. Among other things, he explained how he uses expanded clay balls as an orchid growing medium. The Society also gave an additional talk on watering orchids. Livia, Louise, Wayne and Ellen provided a delicious morning tea and Don and Wayne provided the keen growers with some plants for sale. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Wayne.
June 16
In June we visited Gary's collection. We were welcomed by our hosts and a large orchid house on the front boundary at the bottom of a steep drive. Gary specialises in species from all over the world. To give these plants the conditions they require to grow well he has set up 3 different climates in his orchid house.... a cooled section for cool growing species, a warmed section for warm growing species and finally a section with no climate alteration. Gary shared some growing tips with us and the additional topic of fungus in orchids was covered with many members contributing to our knowledge bank on the subject. Both experienced and inexperienced growers alike learned a lot by visiting Gary's collection. Thanks, Gary.
May 26, 2018
We had a delightful morning at Lionel's place on Saturday 26th May. His dendrobiums and cattleys were putting their best foot forward... what a splendid display. To top things off we enjoyed his large collection of anthuriums also. Lionel generously shared his tips for achieving such a display. After an enjoyable morning tea we had an interesting talk from Livia on growing soft cane dendrobiums.
April 21, 2018
A visit to Marg and Ron’s collection on Saturday 21 April. There was heavy rain on the Friday which continued well into the evening, however on the Saturday morning we woke up to a perfect autumn day. 30 members and 3 visitors attended the meeting and initially we all made our way to visit the orchids which where were in 3 locations. The main shade house housed predominately Cattleyas and Dendrobium hard canes with quite a lot of other genera in small numbers. The soft Cane Dendrobiums were hung on a trellis in the open and thus got the full benefit of all the changes of weather conditions. The 20 or so Phalaenopsis were under cover in a patio area and were grown in Sphagnum Moss. After morning tea Ron gave a very good talk on how he grows and fertilises his orchids. This was followed by a talk by fellow experienced grower on “Preparing Your Orchids for Winter”. This was well accepted, and many members added notes to the 3 handouts provided on the subject. Ellen provided her usual sumptuous morning tea. A very big thanks to Marg and Ron for hosting this meeting.
March 11, 2018
Steward's Workshop Sun, 11th March
Have you ever thought of supporting your Society by being a Steward for the judges i.e. recording the judging results?
Many of our new growers attended a half day workshop at Lawnton Special School with that in mind. There were lectures and practical activities to help society members get the most out of their Stewarding experience. Stewards work in pairs so that new stewards can be supported by more experienced stewards.
Have you ever thought of supporting your Society by being a Steward for the judges i.e. recording the judging results?
Many of our new growers attended a half day workshop at Lawnton Special School with that in mind. There were lectures and practical activities to help society members get the most out of their Stewarding experience. Stewards work in pairs so that new stewards can be supported by more experienced stewards.
March 3, 2018
Visit to the Queensland International Orchid Fair on Sat March 3. Here's a comment from one of our visitors to the Orchid Fair... "Had a great morning, so much interest, far too many choices, shopped maybe a little too much but learned some new things as well. Looking forward to next year."
Feb 24, 2018
Visit to Kevin's collection on 24 Feb 2017. After a couple of days of heavy rain, the weather cleared for our workshop. Kevin has only been growing orchids for 4 years and has developed an extensive collection in that time. He shared some tips on his success and Lynda gave a talk about the main orchid groups. There were plenty of questions and lively discussion from the floor. Ellen provided a very tasty morning tea. Thanks for your generosity, Kevin.
Oct 2017
Visiting the collection of Paul Horgan October 2017
Aug 2017
Potting Day at Lynda's place August 2017