SURFERS dot the waves, flowers scent the air and people take beautiful blooms seriously on the Sunshine Coast where many orchid societies judge prized flowers and determine a grand champion.

One lady behind the judging action is Maroochydoore Orchid Society’s President Kathy Howatson who said many orchids have a really unique fragrance.

“The smell is just so beautiful and each orchid has a different scent,” she said.

“I like the Cettleyas the smell is divine.”

Evidence of the competitive process involved in producing a spectacular flower can be seen at Maroochydoore Orchid Society’s annual orchid exhibition on 10 March at Immanuel Gardens Retirement Village in Buderim.

Kathy explained there will be a range of criteria the four judges will take into consideration when selecting the best flowers displayed at the upcoming annual one day show.

“The overall plant has to be in show condition free from diseases, from blemishes, injury and show they are in peak condition,” she said.

“The shape of the flower should be round, filled in, slightly concaved and symmetrical on both sides boasting a glistening texture and good substance.

“Another element is the colour which should be clear and well-defined.

“They also look at is the flower an improvement on the parents and ensure the flower is held above the foliage so people can see it.”  

Kathy said there were certain types of orchids where the aforementioned selection criteria did not apply in the judging process but they still looked for the qualities making allowances.

“We had one member in Nambour who enjoyed growing tiny species the type you need a magnifying glass to view,” she said.

“Recently he won a couple of prizes for his tiny orchids because there was a special section for them and we note little flowers are welcome.”

Immanuel Gardens General Manager Steve Stacey felt proud to host the exhibition with more than 600 attendees recorded at last year’s show.

“This is the first time it has been held at Immanuel Gardens and we feel honoured to be involved in holding an event of this scale,” he said.

“Our residents are delighted to show their village to the wider community.”

Kathy said judging occurs the night prior to the show with the Grand Champion chosen from the first prize category with around 10 prize categories and ribbons displayed on the winning orchids for attendees to view at the event.

More than 100 entries were submitted last year and the same judges will be involved in this year’s Maroochydoore Orchid Society’s annual orchid exhibition with the same types of orchids grouped together and judged.

Kathy said becoming a judge was a rigorous but rewarding process.

“It is a five year process to become a judge,” she said.

“First you must attend seminars conducted by the Sub Tropical Orchid Council training officer and then after six months sit a three-hour exam.

“If you pass that then you become a student judge and are mentored by experienced judges at shows.

“After a period of time the experienced judges vote whether you should be elevated to an associate judge where you will remain for three years.

“Experienced judges then vote whether to allow you to become a full judge.

Kathy said many of the experienced judges are an excellent support in nurturing upcoming judeges growth.

“After years of attending exhibitions you see a wide variety of orchids.”

To prepare your orchid for show it should be staked properly so it presents well.

“People should also clean down the leaves and bring them in from the shade house beforehand to ensure there’s no external damage caused by the weather,” Kathy said.

The one-day exhibition will feature raffles, potting demonstrations and light refreshments with visitors able to buy a wide range of plants. 

James Duthie, 86, one of Immanuel Gardens’ 242 residents is rapt it will be held on his home turf.

“I am excited, the people in the village are excited and I will definitely be attending,” he said.

Kathy said the show will give green thumbs the opportunity to discover the joys of growing orchids.

“I would like people to come and share our hobby and passion.”

WHERE: Immanuel Gardens Retirement Village Hall 8-10 Magnetic Drive, Buderim

WHEN: 10 March from 8.30am to 5pm

COST:  $2