Orchids on vibrant display

Albany will be abloom with colourful orchids this weekend for the 29th Inter Society Orchid Show.

This will be the first time since 2006 the Albany Orchid Society has hosted the show, which started in Bunbury in 1989.

AOS past-president and show coordinator Julie Elliot said as lovers of all orchid genera, members were hoping to promote the growing of orchids in the region.

“We also want to pass on knowledge and reassure people who think orchids are hard to grow that our climate is ideal for a lot of orchids,” she said.

“Some being cymbidiums and masdevallias — both will be available for sale at the orchid show, along with many other genera,” she said.

“The most rewarding aspect is seeing them flower for the first time and they reward you with long-lasting flowers, not to mention the enjoyment of purchasing something quite different and trying to grow it success-fully.”

There will be eight floor displays depicting the theme Coastal Capers in Amazing Albany, as well as floral arrangements in the theme Nautical Treasures.

There will also be hourly lectures and three raffle prizes up for grabs.

The show will be held this Sunday, between 9am and 4pm, at the St Joseph’s College gym-nasium.