Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plants Society: Hinchinbrook club marks 50 years
A North Queensland flower club is celebrating half a century of floral passion with a thriving membership and a vibrant community spirit. Here’s the secret to their success.
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A North Queensland flower club is marking a colourful 50 years with a flourishing number of members.
Bob Jackson, president of the Hinchinbrook-based Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plants Society, said its annual flower show in Ingham was non-discriminatory in that it was open to foliage flowers such as Begonias as well as the diverse array of orchids.
Mr Jackson, president for 18 years and member for three decades, said his passion for plants bloomed thanks to the other love of his life, wife and club treasurer Jenny.
“She decided she wanted to join the society and didn’t want to come to a meeting alone, so it was up to me to accompany her, and that’s where the passion grew.”
The retired cane train driver said the club had cultivated 70 members.
“It’s really picked up in the last 12 months; it’s really started to grow.”
Mr Jackson said a key reason behind the success was moving monthly club meetings to Sunday afternoons so members did not have to drive at night.
He said the meetings were now also more engaging, offering a variety of demonstrations to budding new members, from potting plants and cuttings to fertilising and pest control.
In addition to the Herbert Valley Orchid and Foliage Show, another annual highlight was a two-day bus visit to various growers in the Far North.
“If you’re interested in gardens, this is what it’s all about and by being in the club,” he said.
“And the social side of it, too, the friendships you develop, not only in our club but with people from other clubs, including in Townsville.”
Mr Jackson said 90 per cent of Australians had backyards and gardens.
“That’s what our members get enjoyment out of; if you actually buy an orchid from a seedling and grow it, look after it, then the reward you get when it actually bursts into bloom and flowers … it’s a passion,” he said.
“When we go on a bus trip there is a saying, ‘there is always room for one more’.”
Founding members Ron and Gloria Hilder said it was an honour to win the Carol Hughes Memorial Trophy for Champion Orchid on the club’s 50th anniversary.
The show is being held at Conroy Hall in Ingham on Friday and Saturday.
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Originally published as Herbert River Orchid and Allied Plants Society: Hinchinbrook club marks 50 years
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