Benoni orchid growers host once-off farm viewing for the public

Benoni never ceases to amaze.

And for those lucky enough to get a ticket to the exclusive first public opening of Marvellous Orchid’s farm in Benoni, the experience was a basketful of surprises.

Appropriately situated in Benoni Orchards, the farm is the work of the Lin family, Carol, David and Ken.

The farm has unassumingly being producing thousands upon thousands of exquisite orchids for retail and wholesale for close on two decades and has three outlets – Boksburg, Randburg and Lynnwood.

This retail division was recently taken over by André and Mariette Rhoodie, who were also at the event, along with green-finger and in-the-know suppliers Guanoboost, Bark Unlimited Organics and Makhro Home and Garden).

Ken manages the farm and took guests on a tour of the growing tunnels to see the orchids in every stage of growth, expertly explaining the process from these miracles of nature’s journey from Taiwan by sea.

The temperature is carefully regulated to make the plants go to sleep for the 35- to 45-day trip, and they are awoken to start growing again in just the right light and temperatures at Marvellous Orchid farm.

Brett Falconer of Highveld Honey Farms in Benoni also gave a talk and after the tour, some refreshments and wine, guests could view the Asian pear and cherry orchards and pick four-leaf clover to take home.

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