Diversity, a widespread family of flowering plants and colourful blooms with accompanying scents were the order of the day at Afri Orchids Spring Open Days this weekend.
Anthophiles arrived to stock up on seasonal plants at the local farm just outside Mbombela.
Afri Orchids has been growing flowers for more than 40 years and in that time has collected a large number of rare and interesting species. In the last few years it also started growing seedlings from its own seed stock.
Lourens Grobler, a South African Orchid Council judge and expert on species and growing, was the speaker, and did a repotting demonstration on Saturday and a guided tour on Sunday.
Afri Orchids hosts two annual events. The first is held in February and the second in August.
Jolisa Grobler of Afri Orchids said, “Our view is that growing orchids as a hobby is increasing in South Africa. More people are becoming aware of the variety and diversity of species. There is a growing enthusiasm for nature and conservation and it seems as though many people crave time in nature.”
She said the seasons make it possible for Afri Orchids to offer different types of flowers during the two events.
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“We have different orchids flowering at different times of the year. This is why we have open days in autumn and spring.” She said spring is a good time to repot orchids.
“During the recent event, many people came to buy potting materials. We were super busy this weekend. This is because many people started growing orchids in lockdown,” she explained.
Jolisa added that those who missed the two events can look forward to the next one.
