BEAUTIFUL blooms will draw hundreds of visitors to Maroochydoore Orchid Society’s annual orchid exhibition on 10 March at Immanuel Gardens Retirement Village.

Among the show’s attendees will be James Duthie, 86, one of Immanuel Gardens’ 242 residents who 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.

James said the one-day exhibition will feature raffles, potting demonstrations and light refreshments.

Visitors will be able to buy a wide range of plants at the show and there will be several prizes awarded including a grand champion orchid. 

“I will be putting an entry in but I am a biased about the prospect of winning because Immanuel Gardens’ orchids are the best,” he said.

Maroochydoore Orchid Society President Kathy Howatson said the show will give the general public the opportunity to discover the joys of growing orchids.

“It is important to have a hobby and orchid growing is a good creative outlet,” she said.

“It also provides social interaction that everyone finds beneficial because it provides the setting for all members to come together and catch up.

“James is one of many men that enjoy growing orchids.”

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.”

In fact James is so passionate about his orchids he has set up a shade house so fellow residents can share his enjoyment. 

There are around 25 different orchids, mostly Cettleyas and Cymbidiums, but I’ve got a lot of ground orchids too,” he said.

“The shade house gives residents such joy and many of my orchids are scented with a lovely perfume.”

James said the euphoria of growing orchids comes from following the progress of bud to bloom.

“I love the process,” he said.

“When you see the flower you worked on for seven months blooming it’s exciting and you appreciate it even more.

“You can get up to 24 flowers on the one orchid.”

James’ son John Duthie will be there alongside him to share the fun.

“This event will bring young and old generations together like my dad and I,” he said.

Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm at Immanuel Gardens on Magnetic Drive Buderim.