Emma's Orchids

When Emma Searle inherited her father's orchids, she sought out the experts from Tauranga Orchid Society. Photo/supplied

Emma Searle's orchids are a labour of love.

Emma inherited her orchids from her father Graham Tombleson, who died four years ago.

"They were lovely and so when my father passed away, I asked to have them and thought, 'I better learn to keep these alive'."

Emma had a little bit of green thumb before she took on the challenge of orchids - she grew up on an orchard in Gisborne.

Emma knew how to grow citrus - having spent much time gardening with her dad - but orchids were a bit of a mystery.

Once she'd taken on the 60 cymbidium, she found she had the magic touch.

"I had heard that they were difficult plants to grow but they're not -I can keep mine alive and flowering," she says.

"It's quite rewarding. They're just such beautiful flowers and every variety is different from the last."

With husband Jeremy, they've joined the Tauranga Orchid Society. They are among the youngest members and the pair have found the society friendly and helpful.

"The members have given us different orchids to try and they're just really friendly people and excited for you when your orchids flower."

ORCHID SHOW
Tauranga Orchid Show is on September 22-24 (Friday to Sunday) at Tauranga Racecourse from 10am-4pm.

Crowds can expect to see a massed display of flowering plants on the theme Alice in Orchidland (an Alice in Wonderland inspiration).

There will be plants for sale, repotting demonstrations and free growing advice from members of Tauranga Orchid Society. Some commercial sellers will be there.

Tauranga Orchid Society secretary Sandra Simpson says they'd like to let people know that growing orchids is not difficult, that there is an orchid for every situation and that the society offers support, information and the fellowship of like-minded people.

Entry is $3, under 12s free.
Email taurangaorchids@gmail.com or phone 577 6676 if you are interested in joining.