Contents of latest Issue

(Front cover) is the introduction to a visit to its owners, Dave & Pat Harmer of Gawler, South Australia, who have been quite successful in gaining Australian Orchid Council awards as well as local and state championships.  Their motto is "Attention to Detail Brings its Rewards". Story by Peter Chiles, photographs by Dave Harmer.

World Orchid Conference extends early Registration

The organizing committee of the World Orchid Conference 2002 has extended its Early Bird Registration until 31 July. Full details are published in this issue.  The triennial event is only 9 months away - April 2002.

Revamped AOC Website a Hit  

The Australian Orchid Council's revamped website has received very favourable reaction from within Australia and from overseas.  Dennis Simmons explains some of the details, which if you are reading this you will already know, but do you know what the two most popular items on the website are?  Answer: Orchids of the Year section (covering five years) and the Vanilla Story, reproduced from the August 2000 issue of OA.  We have also recorded hits from residents of 124 countries, and that makes us pretty happy!

Decorative use of orchid fibre in Papua New Guinea

The culinary, medicinal and other properties of orchids in general always makes fascinating reading.  Here is another aspect.  Len Lawler and Don Lawrie tell of their findings of the use of orchid fibres as decorative wear in Papua New Guinea.  Their article has some beautifully coloured and patterned from different parts of the country.  Len has previously written (1995) for us on the uses of orchids by Australian aborigines.  (I hope to combine these for inclusion in this website later in the year.)

Port Moresby prepares for its Annual International Orchid Show in August

The spectacular annual International Orchid Show at the National Capital Botanical Gardens at Boroko in Port Moresby is being staged this year on the weekend of 25 and 26 August, open daily from 9am to 5pm.  Gardens staff are working furiously to prepare the 30,000 orchids within the gardens for display.  There will also be international displays and visitors. For details contact the Manager at ncbg@orchidspng.com

Conservation of the critically endangered Baby Blue Orchid

Andrew Brown and Kingsley Dixon of the Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth, W.A. detail the predicament we find surrounds the Baby Blue Orchid as it is commonly known - Epiblema grandiflorum.  No doubt there will be closer scrutiny of its perilous status at the 1st International Orchid Conservation Congress to be held in Perth from 24 to 28th September. (Further details at www.bgpa.wa.gov.au )

Sophronitis wittigiana (syn. rosea)

Chris Nicholas writes about this little marvel and illustrates how selective breeding has improved the shape of the species.  The photographs were taken by Chris as well.

The Importance of articifically propagated orchid species

Rod Rice delves into the importance of fostering the propagation of species orchids and the vexed question of purchasing only plants that have been artificially propagated.  The global rape of the orchid's natural environment means that more and more species are under threat today than ever before.  Rod has supplied photographs of five of these orchids for consideration.

From hesitant purchase to trophy winner

Norm Mitchell writes of the story behind his orchid, Den. Glitter 'The Star' which won the Ira Butler Gold Trophy for the year 2000.  He saw it in flower at an open day, looked and put it back three times before giving in and buying it.  "I believed I was meant to have it." says Norm.  Little did he know.  (You can see a photo on the cover of our February 2001 issue if you go to Orchids Australia archives section).

Orchids of India and their use in herbal remedies

Colin Jennings has researched further afield for uses of orchids other than for decorative purposes, and has come up with a fascinating list of uses for an extensive number of orchids from the Indian subcontinent, with some illustrations.

Orchid identity Barry Collins awarded OAM

Well-known orchid identity Barry Collins received the Order of Australia (OAM) in the June Queen's Birthday honours list, for services to the community.  Barry, well known in orchid circles not only for orchids, but also as the orchid badge man, received 11 nominations from a variety of community organizations.

Review: Orchids of New Guinea Vol.1 - Illustrated Checklist and Genera

Rod Rice reviews this new CD-ROM by the National Herbarium of the Netherlands. Pack with photos and information, Rod reckons is a steal at the price (approx. A$100).  Proceeds from the sales goes to fund further publications on the orchidaceae of this tropical treasure trove.

Plus… - All the regular features of Computer Corner,  what's winning at Shows around the country, Cultural Notes for various parts of Australia, and our list of upcoming International orchid events through to 2005. There is also a surprise for some lucky Australian subscriber - Orchids Australia free for one year, provided it is claimed in 14 days.