“I’ve been growing orchids 61 years. My mother Rose gave me a plant the year I was married,” Bay of Plenty Orchid Society member Diane Hintz says.

Admittedly, when raising three children and working on the farm the interest took a back seat in life, but once she had more time Hintz relished learning to grow the plants.

“Once you’re retired it’s a great hobby,” Hintz said. “I always had a small frame at the back door with a few cymbidiums but once the kids were gone I had more time. Now I’ve got all sorts!”

What attracted her about orchid-growing was the millions of species to learn about.

“You have to get one that fits your climate. We’re down on the swamp in Te Puke and we get cold from frosts so everything must be undercover. If in warmer spots people grow them in the garden and they’re gorgeous.”

What varieties does she grow? “Anything I look at,” she said. “I’ve been growing orchids a long time and have lost a lot over the years, so I know what will work at my place – mainly the cooler-growing ones”, like Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums and Zygopetalums.

Hintz said species range from growing in hot conditions to cold – so there’s something for everyone’s location. “They go from being impossible to grow to being a piece of cake.”

Hintz said the Bay of Plenty Orchid Society Show at Te Puke War Memorial Hall on March 27-28 will boast displays of multiple species, an extensive sales table around the hall’s edge, other plants such as bromeliads, plus a bunch of raffles.

More importantly the show would offer newbies the opportunity to gain advice and knowledge on orchid-growing from friendly society members, Hintz said.

“If people buy orchids we always ask where they’ll grow them so hopefully they’ll get something that will suit their conditions. We want them to flourish and come back next year.”

Enter the world of orchids at the BOP Orchid Show next Friday, March 27, 10am-4pm, and Saturday, March 28, 10am-3pm at Te Puke War Memorial Hall. Entry is $3 per person.