Judging Introduction
The NSW Regional Judging Panel provides the judging panels to judge orchids throughout NSW. Judges panels are convened to judge at Orchid Society Shows and meetings, garden club shows and local horticultural shows. Orchid judging is done in accordance with the Australian Orchid Council Judging Rules.
Orchid Shows are judged on a comparative basis rewarding the best flowers within each appropriate group. There is in excess of 40,000 species of orchid in nature and an even greater diversity of man-made hybrids. Orchids must firstly be well-grown and free from blemishes and disease, then they are chosen for the best of their type.
The second form of Judging is Award Judging. Here judges consider orchid flowers based on quality according to the current standards and benchmarks. Plants are awarded First Class Certificates for the very best plants, and Awards of Merit and Highly Commended Certificates for superior plants. Species orchids that are new to cultivation and where no benchmark yet exists may be awarded Certificates of Botanical Merit where applicable. Orchids with desirable, new or distinctive features such as colour are awarded Awards of Distinction. Exceptionally well-grown plants which meet reasonable flower quality standards may be given Awards Cultural Certificates.
Registrar of Judges: Ian Chalmers
Judging Panel Details
New South Wales is divided into 4 Regional PanelsMetropolitan Panel
| Area Covered | This panel covers the area bounded by the Hawkesbury River, Campbelltown and Kiama |
| Judging Class Dates | Contact the Registrar |
| Award Judging Availability |
Award Judging is also available at the shows and special judging sessions can be arranged through the Registrar |
| Registrar Contact Details | Ian Chalmers Phone: 0400220192 ichalmers@optusnet.com.au |
Hunter and Mid North Coast Panel
| Area Covered | This panel covers the area from the Hawkesbury River to Coffs Harbour |
| Judging Class Dates | |
| Award Judging Availability | |
| Registrar Contact Details |
Far North Coast Regional Judging Panel
| Area Covered | North Coast NSW |
| Judging Class Dates | |
| Award Judging Availability | |
| Registrar Contact Details | Vic Miscamble |
South and Western Regional Judging Panel
| Area Covered | South of Kiama to the Victorian Border and West of the dividing range from Dubbo south |
| Judging Class Dates | |
| Award Judging Availability | |
| Registrar Contact Details | Jenny Schutz |
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Disclaimer: The growing guides are provided only as a starting basis to cultivation. Local conditions in your area may require modification to these suggestions. OSNSW will not be responsible for the results of your cultivation practices.