Dehusked 
baits, and spread them every four or five weeks. 
Many growers do not want to acknowledge that they may have 
rats and mice in their garden. Unfortunately most neighbour- 
hoods have them, and they love to eat new flower spikes, and 
even entire bulbs. Strategically located, waterproof bait stations, 
maintained throughout the year, will greatly minimise the 
chances of rodent attacks. 
Continually check the progress of the flower spikes. As the 
buds emerge from the sheath, they are most susceptible to dam- 
age. If possible, bring the plant out of the 
weather, into a dry, protected flowering 
house. Keeping the buds dry, helps elimi- 
nate damage to the buds. Continually train 
the flower spike, to assist it to present itself 
to best advantage. 
Many plants with green, or white flow- 
ers, can suffer discolouration, on the back 
of the flowers, if exposed to strong light 
conditions. This is referred to as staining. 
Flowers with staining will be penalised by 
orchid judges. Not all greens and whites 
stain. Those which do, should be placed in 
a darker position in the flowering house, or 
an umbrella structure can be constructed 
over them to shade the buds. 
Careful attention in the lead up to flow- 
ering will help get better results from the 
judges. Don’t waste your previous efforts. 
Spend as much time as possible when the 
flowers are nearing opening. The more you 
see them, the more likely you will be, to 
spot a problem quickly, and be able to fix it. 
z 
8. Orchid club shows and what can be 
learned from attending a good show 
By attending shows, you should be able 
to establish what to aim for, to achieve suc- 
cess. Attend as many good shows as pos- 
sible, and ask questions about the winning 
plants, particularly where you might be 
able to buy them and other similar vari- 
eties, Major shows, particularly the 
national shows, are where you will see the 
best. Take lots of photographs (be careful 
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in shopping centres — permission may be necessary). Being able 
to photograph lots of good orchids is a huge resource. A tripod is 
a very useful tool to assist in getting quality photographs, partic- 
ularly if the lighting is poor. Make sure you note the name of the 
flower, but also the grower details. Most plants are labelled, with 
the plant name, but also the grower number. Club officials will 
usually assist, to contact the grower. They may be able to suggest 
where you can purchase particular plants. 
Many clubs conduct demonstrations during a show, often 
demonstrating how to divide a plant, or how to care for it. Some 
clubs promote a special workshop, or special meetings for begin- 
ners, after their shows. Shows are also a great way to make contact 
with a club, or particular club members. If you are looking to get 
involved in orchid growing, be prepared to make contact, and ask 
questions. Most club members are very friendly and very helpful. 
9. Improving your collection 
The quality of cymbidiums is improving every year. If you 
want to be competitive, any grower needs to be continually 
researching what might win in the future, and purchase superior 
new varieties. Unless you can expand your growing area, if you 
get a new plant, you need to get rid of one. Please don’t think you 
can just keep squeezing more in. They will be crowded, and all 
will perform badly. You will need to become a good judge of what 
to keep, and what to discard. Good records or at least, a good 
memory is advantageous. This is where the information collected 
at the good shows can be used. Find out if any winning plants are 
available, or if even better ones might soon become available, and 
purchase them quickly before others do. The internet is a huge 
source of good (and bad) information. Be prepared to talk to sup- 
pliers, and ask questions about their plants. Many will readily 
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Ph: 02 6682 2635 
Fax: 02 6682 2605 
3 Sussex Street, Woodburn 2472 
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49 
