Immerse yourself in a wonderful world of orchids this month at the Tauranga Orchid Show.

After three years of waiting, the Tauranga Orchid Society is ecstatic to be hosting the show again –sharing a love of these stunning plants.

The show – set for September 23-24 at Tauranga Racecourse – will boast an abundance of flowering plant displays, plants for sale, free orchid care talks and raffles.

Orchid enthusiast and expert Stewart Mcinally says it wasn't until he went to the Tauranga Orchid Show about 10 years ago that he discovered the potential of orchids.

'I went to the orchid show – that's how most people find the Tauranga Orchid Society – and they give you so much advice, hints and help and I think I have about 200 plants now.”

Stewart grows Cymbidium Orchids, which he says are the species most commonly known. 'They're the ones you see in the supermarket a lot as cut flowers.”

Stewart says they are recognisable by their big stems and flowers, which come in a range of charming colours from orange, red, white, yellow, green and more. 'You get five or six stems on a plant – they're quite impressive,” says Stewart.

At the show, Stewart and other experts will give talks and demonstrations about how to best care for orchids. 'We'll be explaining what type you can grow outside, what type needs to be inside or heated and things like that,” says Stewart.

He adds that the Tauranga Orchid Society 'make you feel so welcome and everyone's prepared to share their knowledge”.

Despite his impressive 200-plant collection, Stewart says you'll be surprised to know you don't need a big space for orchids. 'I've got a heap on the deck and under the eaves around the house.”

Stewart says the show is a 'biggie” with people travelling from as far as Dunedin for previous shows due to its reputation. He encourages anyone with an interest in orchids or any type of gardening to get along.

'I think they'd be very impressed of what can be done if you get out, meet different people and get different ideas.”

Tauranga Orchid Show on Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24 at the Tauranga Racecourse from 10am-4pm. Entry is $3, and under-12s gain free entry.

A stunning variety of orchids will be on display and for sale at the show. Photo: Bob Tulloch.