The Manawatu Orchid Society
is a group of people who meet monthly and have a special interest in growing orchids. Members bring their flowering orchids to meetings to show each other where they are discussed and admired by members.
There is usually a guest speaker at each meeting who gives a talk on Orchid Culture or a similar topic related to orchids or other horticultural topics which would be of interest to members. Sometimes there will be a talk on a topic of travel which may or may not be orchid related.
The society has two shows each year, a one day Autumn Show in Feilding and a two day Spring Show in Palmerston North.
Here, plants are displayed for judging by qualified judges of the Orchid Council of New Zealand (OCNZ) and prizes are awarded in various categories.
Usually a few especially good plants are selected for OCNZ awards at each show. Again these are judged by OCNZ judges and if they meet the high standard required are awarded the appropriate OCNZ certificate.
The Society also arranges visits to growers in and around the Manawatu area several times a year.
There is also a day forum group for members who cannot attend the evening meetings and this is held on the 4th Thursday of the month at 1.30pm. These meetings usually take the form of visits to local growers homes but also to other places with historical or horticultural interest.Members can go to the Day Forum as well as the evening meeting.
Visitors are welcome to attend both meetings and are encouraged to become members.
The club produces an informative monthly newsletter which each member is either emailed in full colour or posted a printed copy. This keeps members informed of current activities in the orchid world such as upcoming shows,articles on orchid growing and club activities.Those members with email also receive newsletters from other New Zealand and overseas clubs.
Membership is $17 Single or $24 Double.
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Dracula erythrochaete given a provisional cultural award at the Wanganui Show. Photo.Eldon Ormsby
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