Spexotic array: Pam and Trevor Signal in one of the two orchid houses on their Papamoa property. Photo/supplied
Spexotic array: Pam and Trevor Signal in one of the two orchid houses on their Papamoa property. Photo/supplied
When Pam and Trevor Signal moved to Papamoa two years ago they "downsized" their collection of orchids by the hundred - and yet still moved hundreds.
The couple, both retired teachers, had a 10-acre block near Kawerau that was home to a 40m-long shed and two plastic houses, all ofwhich were eventually filled with orchids.
"It was a hobby that got out of control," Trevor says. "And even though down there we had to fight heavy frosts in the winter and baking heat in the summer, we loved it."
It was Pam who first bought a couple of orchids from a show in Taranaki when the couple were living in Stratford.
"I joined the local orchid club and when we moved to the Whakatane area for work our hobby just grew like Topsy."
The couple have discovered, to their surprise, that Australian Dendrobium orchids left by the movers along the south side of their new home have thrived, getting early sun and any breeze that's going.
"There's a good draught along the side of the house, even when you think it's still," Trevor says. "It's been interesting to see how much they like that."
The house and nearby fence also help protect from salt in the wind, while the home's brick walls mean the day's heat is released slowly into the night.
"We've lost one or two," Pam says of the outside plants, "but that's no more than you'd expect over two years."
Trevor, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, no longer has large Cymbidium orchids, as he was finding them too difficult to manage, especially as he sticks to a routine of repotting all his orchids almost every year.
"It's hard getting rid of plants that you like," he says, "but we've got plenty of others to play with."
Cattleya Marriottiana "Emmarina" Photo/supplied
ORCHID SHOW Tauranga Orchid Society show, September 11-13, from 10am till 4pm, Tauranga Racecourse, $3 entry. Mass display of flowering plants, potting demonstrations and growing advice, plants for sale.
