GALLERY: Orchids blossoming bright this weekend
FOR the local hosts of the 35th anniversary of the annual Hervey Bay Spring Orchid and Garden Spectacular, "it's all for the love of orchids”.
Fraser Coast
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FOR the local hosts of the 35th anniversary of the annual Hervey Bay Spring Orchid and Garden Spectacular, "it's all for the love of orchids".
The event at Xavier Catholic College's school hall features displays from six orchid societies, four garden clubs and 14 vendors.
For a $5 entry fee, which also gets you tea or coffee and scones, visitors can lavish their senses in the smells and visual delights of hundreds of flower varieties.
Hervey Bay Orchid Society member and event judge Coral Jenkins has been on the orchid scene for the last 15 years of her 35 years growing the plants.
"It's very addictive," she said.
"We have spent the last year preparing for this annual event."
The last of the annual touring orchid shows for the year, clubs have travelled from Gympie, Maryborough, Gympie, Bundaberg and Agnes Waters to compete in different classes.
"There is a fierce rivalry between Hervey Bay and Bundaberg," Ms Jenkins laughed.
"This time they won top spot for their display and Hervey Bay came second."
On the Hervey Bay stand alone there were 300 orchids and about 100 on the other clubs' stands.
Flowers and garden supplies are also available for purchase with experts willing to share a tip or two. Society members will also be selling the plants they have grown all year.
Ms Jenkins said she has five shade houses at her home and spent five years of training to become an orchid judge.
"My husband often jokes I could have spent the five years becoming a brain surgeon but I love it," she said.
"This event is for anyone who enjoys gardens, gorwing orchids and colours."
The expo runs tomorrow from 8am-2pm.
For more, call Ms Jenkins on 0428 054 954.
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