How do you fill your home with colour, joy and happiness?

By Alistair Gray 

Zelda Holm with two of her prize Orchids- Rlc. Zelda's Pride 'Pink Palmer' and Rlc. Zelda's Pride 'Kensington'. 

Come and join the Bribie Island Orchid Society Inc. and learn the secret to growing fabulous orchids like the beauties above. If you are like me, I have bought the occasional orchid over the years. It is always in flower when you buy it, however a few weeks later it starts to wilt. You water it and water it until eventually it goes to God. Most of us are clueless when it comes to orchids, yet when in flower they give immeasurable pleasure. The flowers are always so perfect, so unique. After all, everyone loves orchids and I soon learnt that if you get bitten by the orchid-growing bug, you quickly become an orchid lifer. 

Like Zelda Holm, an Australian award-winning grower of Cattleya orchids living here in Banksia Beach, who has been growing orchids for more than 50 years. At the age of 21, Zelda began collecting orchids, learning how to grow them for more than 25 years before becoming a member of the orchid society. There she made new friends, traded orchids and gathered tips from other growers. Over that time, Zelda has become like a professor emeritus of orchids. She is not a judge as her focus is on growing, though many judges sit up and notice when Zelda speaks as she knows her stuff after a lifetime of striving to be the best. Zelda is also in constant contact with hybridisers from all over the world as they share information and register, buy and sell orchids. Yes, orchids are registered just like you would a birth, with new crosses registered with the Royal Horticultural Society (UK).  

When I arrived at Zelda's home to gain an insight into her passion, a room full of glorious orchids all in flower welcomed me. Wow, it was superb, beautiful, with colour everywhere. I learned that orchids only flower once a year, for about three to four weeks, with the secret being to buy a flowering orchid each month. The more you buy, the more colour you will enjoy with their annual flowering. The next secret I learnt was don't over water them - water and feed them about once a week. Don't plant your orchids in the middle of a large pot as they prefer to be tight and firm in their pot. Follow these quick tips and you will surely succeed in your orchid-growing journey.  

Of course, the secrets are in the detail and Zelda runs popular new grower classes on the second Saturday of the month for the orchid society. About 40 novice growers attend monthly meetings at the Orchid House, 156A First Avenue, Bongaree. Simply join the orchid society for $20; attendance is otherwise free. There is a chance you will receive a free orchid to give you a start. Go along and ask about the secret to growing award-winning orchids. Zelda's passion is sure to inspire you as a new world opens for you to explore. You will be surprised at the simple science involved. Maybe you will get the bug and be the next award-winning grower. 

The orchid society has more than 100 members. They are a lively bunch, with heaps of laughter and leg-pulling at their monthly (held the fourth Tuesday of the month) cultural meeting. Here, they bench their flowering orchids for judging, appreciate each other's creations, share information, listen to different speakers and learn more about orchid growing. The group also has a very social side, with various outings, dinners and other events organised, including attending and competing in the various orchid shows. 

For further information, phone 0491 158 104 or visit www.bribieislandorchidsociety.au/