Ruth has growing orchid expertise
PASSIONATE gardener Ruth Whiting little expected to take out the top prize at the Winter Orchid Show, but it’s a testament to just how much the hobby has really grown on her.
Ms Whiting, from Jensen, won champion prize for the category “genera hybrid”, in her first ever open challenge.
Ms Whiting joined the Townsville Orchid Society three years ago and until now has been a novice competitor.
“Because I won a couple of times they put me up in open category,” she said.
Ms Whiting was drawn to the society after going along on a field day with her neighbour, where they took a bus tour around Townsville to visit the gardens of society members.
“I got hooked and now I’ve really got the bug,” she said.
“I absolutely love growing orchids now and it’s just become a passion.
“There are just so many varieties out there and they grow such beautiful flowers and some have a beautiful scent.
“With the society too, I’m learning something every time we catch up.”
She’s now a committee member and was in Sydney last week to attend the Australian Orchid Council conference and show.
Ms Whiting said she had been a gardener before getting involved with the Townsville Orchid Society, growing various flowers and vegetables.
“I’ve always been obsessed with gardening even when I was quite young,” she said.
“I had a little vegetable garden as a child and I used to spend all my time in there rather than playing with toys.
“I used to just to stick to myself and be a bit of a hermit but being part of the society has really drawn me out.”
Ms Whiting said there was a great social aspect to being part of the society and they met every fourth Sunday of the month and held several shows each year.
“Our youngest member at the moment is 14 and our oldest is about 85,” she said. “We’ve got 215 members.” The next Townsville Orchid Society Show will be the Spring Show on Friday, September 28, at the Townsville Orchid Society Hall in Charles St, Kirwan.