During winter, the club meets on the first Sunday of the month at 2pm. A friendly competition is held, orchid-related matters are discussed, and there is often a discussion about orchid culture. Sometimes trips are arranged to visit orchid growers in other regions.
Lindsay Owen joined the Wanganui Orchid Society in 2006 in order to meet like-minded folk interested in orchids. Having grown cymbidiums in South Africa, he found Whanganui’s climate just perfect for their cultivation.
Over the years, as his interest expanded, he began collecting other orchid genera and was joined by his wife, Eileen, when she retired. She has taken to growing orchids, particularly masdevallias, “the kite orchid”, like a duck to water, and now they share a common interest in retirement.
They point out that growing orchids in Whanganui’s temperate climate allows one to also grow a number of orchid genera successfully, without too much fuss. The great thing about growing different types of orchids is that they basically flower at different times of the year, thus giving one a year-long point of interest as well as a sense of achievement.
Joining the Wanganui Orchid Society, they say, has proved equally rewarding for both of them. The members are very friendly, helpful and tremendously knowledgeable. They are always willing to share information and expertise with new members or help solve orchid problems.
The monthly meetings have become a focal point in their retirement where information and news are shared over a cup of tea or coffee. Anyone interested in joining the club can pick up a membership form at the show.
