| ORCHIDS OF THE YEAR
2004
Once
again Queenslanders have swept the pool with their nominations for AOC
Orchids of the Year in each of the categories.
This is a repeat performance in two categories: Charlie
Truscott received a similar honour in 2002, with a phalaenopsis. The
McCubbins, likewise are repeating the honours which they received in
1992 and 1998.
The
other Queenslander, Ron Greinke, has had plants nominated in the past
but this is the first time he has received the honour of having one of
his plants selected as the best orchid judged by AOC judges in the
Hybrid category.
During
the year 2004 there were a total of 133 orchids granted awards by AOC
Judging Panels throughout the nation. Whilst this number is a little
lower than in previous years, the quality of the orchids judged was
high, with four FCC’s included.
Congratulations
to all who had orchids nominated in the three categories, and special
commendation to the winners in the three categories. Voting was
required in all categories; a healthy sign of the competition
involved.
It
is important to recognise that the judging of orchids by AOC judges is
all done by volunteers who put a significant amount of time into their
judging, often travelling large distances to attend meetings, shows
and special judging meetings. I would like to thank personally all AOC
judges for their contribution – your efforts do not go un-noticed.
To each of the Registrars of Regional panels a special thankyou is
extended. It is this group of seven people who coordinate the
programme and maintain an evenness of approach, as far as is possible
in this vast continent.
A
brief comment on the three winners follows. Detailed comments appear
in the previous issue of Orchids
Australia. We have once again invited the three winners to give
us, the readers, a brief insight into the cultivation of these special
orchids – for which we are grateful.
Colin
Jennings FAOC
AOC
Registrar General of Judging
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AOC
ORCHID HYBRID OF THE YEAR
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Blc. Burdekin Dream ‘D. J.’
FCC/AOC 2004
Charlie
Truscott, Queensland, AOC #3270
This single flowered plant held its pure white flower
proudly on a sturdy stem. It was described by the Judging Panel as being of
“excellent shape, clean, good substance and texture, clear & fresh
colour, highly fragrant.” The flower measured 190mm long by 185mm wide. It
resulted from the crossing of Blc.
Dream Trader and Blc. Burdekin
Bells.
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AOC
ORCHID SPECIES OF THE YEAR |
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Paphiopedilum
hirsutissimum var. esquirolei ‘Jim’ 
AM/AOC
2004
Jim
& Marie McCubbin, Queensland, AOC#3317
Jim & Marie received an HCC for this
orchid several years ago, but on this occasion it was granted
an AM. Nominated in the Species category by the Queensland
Regional Judging Panel, it was voted nationally as the best
species orchid awarded in 2004. The single flower was 91mm
long by 145mm wide and displayed excellent colour and
texture.
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AOC
AWARD OF DISTINCTION OF THE YEAR |
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Den. Dal’s Stunner
‘David Littman’
HCC-AD/AOC
1994
Ron
Greinke, Queensland,
AOC#3229
Judged
at a Queensland Orchid Society meeting in May 2004, this attractive dendrobium
was granted an AD for its “excellent combination of colours.” The plant
carried four inflorescences, with total of 23 flowers and 16 buds, the main
raceme held eight flowers and four buds. Individual flowers measured 65mm long
by 75mm wide. The parents of this plant are Den.
Dal’s Surprise and Den. Dal’s
Queen. This is a first for Ron, yet his name comes up regularly as a grower of
high quality orchids, many of which have received awards in the past.
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