Beginnings:

The Ringwood Orchid Society came into being in 1979. as a result of a small group of orchid enthusiasts keen on establishing a Club in the Eastern Suburbs. In November 2004, the Club celebrated it's 25 th Birthday – a great achievement indeed.

Aim:

To foster the continued enthusiasm and friendship of orchid growers and endeavour to promote and encourage the growing of these spectacular plants to the wider public and open our doors and make welcome the young folk of our land who will take the art and expertise of orchid-growing into the future.

Meetings:

Members meet on the 1 st Tuesday of each month (January excepted) commencing at 8 pm at the Maroondah Secondary College Community Hall, Brentnall Road , Croydon (Melway Map 50 E3).

Proceedings:

The meetings feature a number of different segments:---

Bench Competition - members are encouraged to bring their flowering plants in for judging in four separate categories, namely; Novice (for beginners) Advanced Novice, Intermediate and Open. Plants are also judged by Genera and points awarded on a monthly basis for best Catteleya, Australian Native, Odontoglossum etc. and a trophy presented to the winners at the end of each year. Then there is the ‘Popular Vote' competition in which members vote for their choice of ‘best plant on the night'.

Guest Speakers are a feature of each monthly meeting. This comprises a presentation in the way of a talk and slide show where appropriate on the numerous topics on orchids and their culture – very interesting and informative.

Seedling Competition is conducted at regular intervals, where members purchase seedling plants at the beginning of the year. These plants are presented at monthly meetings and a commentary given on how well they are being grown and cared for. Advice is also given as to their proper culture.

The meeting concludes with members and visitors invited for supper and a chat.

Events:

The Club conducts two shows a year. A Winter Show in July and a Spring Show ( our piece de resistance ) in early October.

The Winter Show is conducted in conjunction with the June Monthly Meeting.

Yarra Valley Challenge Trophy is an annual event run in conjunction with the July Monthly Meeting where members from Yarra Valley attend and exhibit their plants. Meeting is followed by supper that is an enjoyable evening.

The Spring Show (first week in October ) – (please navigate to Show Page)

At the Spring show, members are able to display their individual collections in the form of their own large/mini display or club display. Some members take the extra care to put up a theme stand. A trading section is also provided for members to sell good-quality surplus plants at very reasonable prices – very popular section with the general public. On the Saturday evening of the Show, a social evening is organised where members and guests enjoy a sumptuous meal and much merriment.

Another social evening is held during the Easter period.

The Ringwood Orchid Society also participates in our parent body O.S.C.O.V.'s Annual Show held at Collectors' Corner, Keysborough where the Club puts up a Stand displaying plants contributed by members. Awards won by individual growers are presented at the following Club meeting. The R.O.S. takes great delight in sponsoring the “Quality Award ”.

Glass-House Visits

Monthly visits to members' homes are organised to enable other members (especially new members) to view orchid collections and obtain advice on orchid culture. These visits are followed by a BBQ and afternoon tea that is very enjoyable.

Bus Trips to places of interest.

Newsletter

A very informative monthly Newsletter is sent to each financial member.