The Southern Highlands Orchid Society will display hundreds of the plants at its annual show next month. 

About 30 group members have worked tirelessly growing several varieties of orchid including cool-growing cymbidiums, coelogyne, paphiopedilum (slipper orchid) and phalaenopsis orchids in preparation for the show. 

While the show is next month, the group meets on the first Saturday every month to talk about their tips, failures and the science behind orchids. 

The Southern Highlands Orchid Society president Raymond Stanton said the key to growing the perfect orchid was “knowing what you’re doing”.

“If anyone is failing or would like to know more about orchids, they are welcome to come here and we can teach them,” he said. 

The show, now in it’s 13^th year will showcase several hundred Highlands orchids in the one place. 

“We give out prizes and show off all the wonderfully grown orchids from our members,” Mr Stanton said. 

Group member Shirley Doyle said new members were always welcome to join the club. 

“We would love to see new faces, epecially young people, come and join us,” she said. 

“We are a bunch of very friendly people who just love orchids.”

Both exotic and native orchid varieties will be available to purchase, with many grown by locals at the orchid show. 

The Southern Highlands Orchid Society show will be held at Mittagong RSL on September 16 from 10am to 4pm.

A portion of the show’s proceeds will also be donated to a charity of the society’s choice. 

For more details contact Shirley from the Orchid Society on 4861 2638 or visit the Southern Highlands Orchid Society INC Facebook page.