Tamworth Orchid Society wins 'battle of the gods' against weather extremes

The club will be set up at Tamworth Shopping World this week, on Thursday and Friday from 8am to 9pm, and on Saturday until 1pm.

Cheryl Harris said the club's members had a difficult job this year, facing extremely hot days and sudden cold snaps.

"I'm telling everyone to speak nicely to their plants to give them hope," she said, laughing.

"We had the black frost causing them grief in the winter - there was no moisture in the air, but things still froze. They were struggling after that.

"Then in the summer time we had extremely hot days. The pots get so hot the roots can burn."

However, despite it all Mrs Harris said the club's members and their orchids have bounced back in time to put on a lovely display.

"We will still have many catlias and other varieties to admire," she said.

"The club has many members who specialise in catlia's and soft canes as well as cymbidium orchids which are everyones favourite."

The club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at St Stephens Church Hall on the corner of Matthews and Church streets, at 7.30pm.

They also have home seminars to share tips and tricks.

"We conduct workshops at members' homes and all go back home with a few more plants to add to our collections, which is also a great way for new members to learn about how to pot and care for their plants," Mrs Harris said.

"For anyone interested in becoming an enthusiast there will be a willing member to help with your enquiries."