Three orchid-loving residents at lifestyle community Halcyon Glades have started the Orchid Group and the concept is thriving with other home owners.

 

Tony Kellerman, Andre De Bats and Clive Stephan started the Orchid Group which provides regular workshops and demonstrations for other residents on the art of successful orchid growing educating them on everything from fertilisers, plant maintenance, shade houses to dividing and repotting orchids.

 

The group has no shortage of expertise, with Mr De Bats holding a PHD in medical biochemistry and owning 500 orchids, Mr Keller having a background in rural science and horticulture and Mr Stephan owning orchids for years.

 

“People often receive orchids as gifts but aren’t sure how to keep them healthy and happy, but that’s where we come in to show them when to water, when to pot, how much water, how much sun, what fertiliser and so on” said Mr Keller adding  that his main tip is to replicate the orchids natural environment as much as possible.

 

Inspired by the Caboolture Annual Orchid Show, Halcyon Glades plans to show off their achievements by staging their own orchid show in March next year.