“It does become an addiction,” admitted Bethlehem’s orchid-obsessed Sharron Page-Moreton.
Page-Moreton and her daughter Carrie Page have been growing and tending to orchids since they found the hobby in 2021.
They found a community group called the Tauranga Orchid Society when they moved to Tauranga from Nelson. Today their garden has more than 200 orchids of all varieties, shapes and sizes.
The pair will showcase some of their best in the mass display at the Tauranga Orchid Show on September 5-6 at Wesley Methodist Church.
One of Sharron and Carrie’s orchids. Photo / Brydie Thompson
In past years the show – which has contained hundreds of Moth Orchids, Lady’s Slippers, Dendrobium, Cattleya, Vandas and more – was at Greerton Racecourse.
But this year it had moved to the Wesley Methodist Church on 13th Ave, and would host enthusiasts from North Island orchid societies to share their knowledge and their plants while vying to win prizes.
Page-Moreton said the show exposes the art of orchid growing and kept the hobby alive in the community for people of all ages.
Growing orchids is something Page-Moreton and Page had enjoyed and learnt a lot about through the society. The club shared tips on how to nurture the plants and how to give the plant a chance to reflower. “There’s a certain satisfaction to getting your orchid to reflower, knowing that you’ve done something right,” said Page.
Page-Moreton said people believed the orchid was a difficult plant to look after. “People think they’re high maintenance, but they actually thrive on neglect.
Sharron Page-Moreton. Photo / Brydie Thompson
“Like a lot of houseplants, we overwater them. Most people think that when a plant’s not doing well, it must need watering. It’s a matter of learning some of those little tricks.”
Carrie Page. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Page said if one of her orchids became sick and she didn’t know what to do, she’d take it to a club meeting and ask fellow members for advice. She said that was the best thing about the club; the knowledge she gained and the nurturing environment.
“One woman took one look at it and knew straight away what was wrong. Learning from the experience of people who’ve been doing this for decades, that’s valuable.”
The upcoming BOP Orchid Show on September 5-6 at Wesley Methodist Church, Tauranga, would give enthusiasts and newbies alike the chance to learn from other greenfingers too!