Flowering orchids from all over the world were represented by the Society, but the display had a distinctly ‘Scottish’ theme, with a Black Watch Tartan back cloth and some familiar ‘wee beasties’ lurking among the foliage.
In addition to the display awards, individual orchid plants were judged by the British Orchid Council and the Society excelled here too. The magnificent specimen plant Dactylorhiza foliosa ‘Lynn F. Timoney’ CCC/RHS took the rosettes for Best Amateur Hardy/Terrestrial Orchid, and Best Amateur Species. This beautiful orchid is grown outdoors in Perthshire and has a track record as an award winner for owner, Peter Timoney - a great testament to his growing skill.
Many other plants were Highly Commended by the judges, including a beautiful Cattleya purpurata and an Oncidium bifolium - mounted, in keeping with the display theme, on stag’s antlers.
The majority of the orchids were loaned by society members, with some from the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and the display included a small terrarium, highlighting the diversity of orchid species and hybrids which can be grown in our country. Although many tropical orchids are grown in greenhouses, there are just as many grown on windowsills, or under lights indoors, and outside in the garden.
Many Scottish Orchid Society members travelled south for the International Orchid Show and Gardeners’ World Live, and reported a wonderful event, well worth attending. All came home tired but very happy!
For more information about the Scottish Orchid Society and their activities, please visit www.scottishorchid.org.