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When Cindy Duck walked into last year’s Tauranga Orchid Show, she was blown away by the plants, as well as the people behind them.
“Oh my goodness, it was absolutely fantastic,” the Tauranga South resident said.
“I went nuts, bought everything I could afford, then promptly joined the club because I needed to learn to grow these things!”
She is encouraging fellow Bay residents to attend the 2026 Tauranga Orchid Show on September 18-19 at Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton to enjoy the unexpected fascination.
Duck said besides the permeating fragrance and riot of colour, show-goers will find Tauranga Orchid Society members present who are willing to share all their green-fingered knowledge.
“These people are just so eager to teach you and get you on board.
“They are so enthusiastic and so full of knowledge about growing orchids – they have just encouraged my passion along.”
Cindy Duck with her some of her beloved orchids. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Duck said her mother had taught her to garden “so I love green things”. Last year she rescued a few Phalaenopsis (Moth orchids) from grocery stores and incidentally found another variety in her garden – but it was the show that tipped the scales.
Today she has more than 150 orchid plants at her home, with plans for more.
“My husband Malcolm has been so obliging. He built me a little greenhouse under the deck. He also built me a few holders to house the outdoor varieties, which I’m working on filling.”
What is it with orchids that had taken her? “Oh, the flowers, the challenge of growing them, the beauty – honestly, there is so much variety. There are easy, intermediate and hard-to-grow ones. Anything that takes your fancy – orchids have got it. Colour, vibrancy, fragrance, flower size, indoor, outdoor [varieties] – you name it!
“It’s just gobsmacking! You just stand amazed at this plant and genus and everything they have.”
Cindy Duck's orchids. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
The Tauranga Orchid Show, open 10am-4pm on September 18 and 10am-3pm on September 19 at Tauranga Racecourse, will boast mass displays of flowering plants, free growing advice, potting demonstrations, orchids and other unusual plants for sale, plus a cafe, raffles and free parking. Entry is $5 per adult. Under-12s are free.
While she’s not yet showing orchids, Duck will definitely be at the show. “I will be purchasing plants. I have a budget this time. I’ll also be volunteering with the society to host the show.”