It’s almost show time
This year's Queenburgh Orchid Show promises to be bigger and better with much to learn and see.
CAN you be too young or too old to grow orchids? Little 8-year-old Gabriela Maunier, the youngest member of the Queensburgh Orchid Club, doesn’t think age matters. “I like to grow them because they are my plants. I love being in the shade house and watching them grow,” Maunier explained.
She started collecting and growing orchids just two years ago, going with her mother, Amalia, to all the shows. She was also encouraged by her grandfather, who converted the area under her jungle gym into a shade house for her, where she spends many hours tending her precious plants, lovingly watering and feeding them.
“I can’t wait to see the flowers and to see if I will win a certificate,” Maunier added.
The little orchid enthusiast joined the Queensburgh Orchid Club meetings this year, where she was awarded her first certificate. Hooked on her hobby, she even saves up her tooth fairy money to spend on new orchids and always manages a sneaky orchid purchase.
Orchids have fascinated people for decades and, contrary to popular belief, they are not that hard to grow. If you join an orchid club near you, you will learn more about your plants and how to take care of them. The most important factor with orchids is having a passion for them, just like Gabriela.
The much-anticipated Queensburgh Orchid Show is taking place on Saturday, 1 August from 10am to 3.30pm and on Sunday, 2 August from 9am to 2.30pm at the Kloof Town Hall.
Entrance is R15 for adults and R10 for pupils. A wide variety of orchids will be on display and on sale, as well as refreshments.
There will be people there to talk to about orchids and give advice on how to grow them and when to feed and water them.
