DES de Jager of the Queensburgh Orchid Club believes the best time to start an orchid collection is whenever the bug bites you.
According to de Jager, a perfect example is club member Gabriela Maunier who, at nine years old, has already been growing orchids for two years.
Gabriela became interested in these beautiful plants that her mother, Amalia, was so engrossed with. Encouraged by Amalia, Gabriela bought her first plant and has not looked back. She is keen to learn all she can to help grow her plants.
When asked why she likes to attend the monthly meetings of the Queensburgh Orchid Club she said: “I like to listen when the judges talk and to see why the orchids win first place. I also like to hear how I can help mine flower better.”
Gabriela’s collection has now increased to about 25 plants of various types of orchids. She has converted her jungle gym to house her plants. It receives good light and is positioned perfectly for her growing requirements. She said that orchids are not hard to look after as long as you know which ones like sun and which prefer shade. She then checks up on them to see when flower spikes or new growth is emerging and said that it is important to keep snails and slugs away.
Gabriela is waiting anxiously to see if any of her plants will be blooming when the Queensburgh Orchid Club has its annual show at the Kloof Town Hall on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 July. She would love to exhibit her plants and win a ribbon. She is also looking forward to the opportunity of buying plants at the show. Vendors from as far as Nelspruit will be in attendance and a wide selection of plants will be available.
The show is open from 10am until 3.30pm on Saturday and from 9.30am until 2.30pm on Sunday. In addition to the displays of beautiful plants, visitors will be able to speak to experts on how to grow their plants.
