Mr Gynn’s Flaming Pepper Cymbidium, called ‘Kirrawee’, won the grand champion and best cymbidium prizes at Saturday’s show at the Mittagong RSL.

Society treasurer Ken Coates won the best Australian native honour for his Lorikeet called ‘Mel’.

Norm Parrish’s Paphiopedium Asiatic ‘Unnamed’ and Ric Gemenis’s Maxillaria American ‘Porphyrostele’ were the other major winners.

The society’s sixth show was officially opened by Highlands radio personality Graeme Day.

Mr Day acknowledged the quality of orchids on display.

“The blooms are fantastic and the amount of work that goes into these is incredible,” he said.

“When I look at these, the amount of passion and love that goes into them is extraordinary.”

Mr Day encouraged more Highlanders to attend the orchid show, particularly kids.

“It’s great to get them in and let them see this because if they want to create something… this is a fantastic thing,” he said.

“It’s also ties in with the environment, which kids are really passionate about.”

Mr Coates told the Southern Highland News that he was happy with the turnout of people on Saturday.

“It’s the biggest and best show we’ve had yet,” he said.

Mr Coates said there was a great range of orchids on display at the one-day event.

“It won’t get better than these plants,” he said.

The Southern Highlands Orchid Society is looking for new members to join the group.

For more information, phone Ken Coates on 4888 9104.