It’s not often that an Aussie native is a headliner in a flower show as big as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but this year, we’ve made it!
The Orchid Conservation Chelsea, in partnership with GrowTropicals, created an exhibit this year called: Orchids in the Wild – Hong Kong, Australia, Asia & The Pacific Islands.
It won gold in the Floral Medal category of the Chelsea Flower Show, as announced by RHS on Instagram on May 21st.
And, it caught the eye of Queen Camilla!
A spotlight on rare orchid species
It is divided into four habitat zones with rare and endangered orchids from Hong Kong & South China, Singapore, Hawaii and, of course, Australia. GrowTropicals partnered with 25 institutions, as well as scientists, botanical gardens and conservation organisations to represent native orchid species across the globe.
In the Australian zone, there were two orchid species that were spotlighted, Blue Sun orchids (Thelymitra spp.) and Donkey orchids (Diuris spp.), both of which are found in south-west Australia. The University of Western Australia were key to creating the Australia zone in the exhibit.
Why orchids?
There are over 31,000 species of orchids in the world, making them the largest family of vascular plants. Because of the intricate ecosystem they build around themselves and their relationships with pollinators, fungi and other plants, they are very sensitive to environmental change.
When habitat loss, illegal collection and the rising temperatures due to climate change are thrown into the mix, it’s no wonder that there are declines in orchid populations.
By showcasing rare and endangered species, some of which have never been displayed to a public audience before, Orchid Conservation Chelsea and Growtropicals aim to educate and encourage action.
Since it was seen by the King himself, hopefully, there will be a heightened emphasis on the importance of protecting endangered species soon!
Orchids in the Wild: The Australian Zone
Blue Sun orchid and Donkey orchid species were displayed in the Orchids in the Wild exhibit, with grass trees and other Aussie natives surrounding them.
There were two rare Blue Sun orchid (Thelymitra spp.) species displayed in the exhibit, Thelymitra x dentata x glaucophylla and Thelymitra glaucophylla x grandiflora. These are not able to be bought, and are mostly found in national parks and bushland in Western Australia and Tasmania.
Donkey orchids are more common than Blue Sun’s, although the ones displayed in Orchids in the Wild were rare: Diuris emarginata and Diuris aurea x drummondii.
This species is still unable to be purchased to grow in your own garden, however, it can be found in national parks, bushland and conservation areas across the whole of Australia (excluding the Northern Territory).
What else is happening at the Chelsea Garden Show?
Spotted! David Beckham is once again showcasing his love of the garden by joining King Charles III and horticulturist Alan Titchmarsh CBE at the opening of The Highgrove Shop at the Chelsea Garden Show. All the proceeds of the shop are going towards The King’s Foundation, to encourage younger generations to consider careers in horticulture.
It’s clear that David Beckham is loving his own gardening journey and wants everyone else to experience the same joy he does when pottering!
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