Information about our next orchid meeting
Date: 21st May, 2025
Time: 7 pm for 7:30 start
Venue: Mount Albert Senior Citizens Hall, 3B Wairere Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025
Topic: Floral Deceit – How Orchids fool Birds, Bees and Botanists
Many of our members enjoyed Caleb’s previous talk, so we’re excited to welcome him back this month.
Caleb will speak about the deceptive pollination strategies of orchids. He’ll explain how some orchids mimic other organisms to attract pollinators—and how this has confused scientists trying to classify them. It promises to be both fascinating and fun.
Caleb is the current President of the Tauranga Orchid Society and has been passionate about plants as far back as he can remember.
You can read more about Caleb’s orchid obsession by clicking this link.
Everyone is welcome to join us..
What we do at our orchid meetings
Our monthly orchid meeting is held from February to November on the Third Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm. Founded in 1948, the New Zealand Orchid Society is the oldest orchid society in the country. Serving central Auckland, our passionate community of orchid enthusiasts come together to learn, share, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of these extraordinary plants. With a rich history and a vibrant present, we are dedicated to fostering a love for orchids and nurturing the next generation of orchid growers and judges.
Our meetings are the heart and soul of our society, where members gather to enjoy a range of activities designed to enrich their orchid-growing experience. Each meeting features a guest speaker who shares their expertise on various aspects of growing and caring for orchids. From cultivation tips to the latest research, our speakers provide valuable insights to help you succeed in your orchid journey.
One of the highlights of our meetings is the display table, where members showcase their prized orchids. Not only does this allow for admiration and appreciation, but it also offers an opportunity for learning and growth. Our experienced members provide plant commentary, discussing each plant’s unique attributes, and offering advice on care and cultivation. When a plant receives an award, we share the reasons behind the recognition, inspiring others to reach for the same level of excellence.
Allan Benson provided an excellent commentary for the plants on display at one of our meetings.
At the heart of every meeting is our tea break, where members can mingle, share stories, and indulge in delicious treats. This time for socializing and networking strengthens the bonds of our community, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all.
Our society is proud to host an Orchid Judge Group, a dedicated team of experts who assess orchids for awards. We also offer an Orchid Judging School, welcoming learner judges to develop their skills and contribute to the recognition of exceptional plants. This commitment to excellence ensures that our members are supported in their pursuit of orchid mastery.
Throughout the year, we organize three to four orchid shows, where the beauty and diversity of our members’ collections are put on display. These events are a testament to the dedication and passion of our community and serve as an opportunity for the public to experience the captivating world of orchids.
Join the New Zealand Orchid Society today and become part of our thriving community of orchid enthusiasts. Together, we’ll cultivate not just beautiful plants, but also lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.