A local resident has achieved a rare milestone in the Australian orchid-growing community, receiving two prestigious accolades from the Orchid Societies Council of Victoria (OSCOV) for successfully cultivating an uncommon South American species.
Garry Nielson, of Newlands Arm, was awarded a Highly Commended Certificate (HCC) for quality, alongside a coveted Certificate of Botanical Merit (CBM), for his specimen of Masdevallia schlimii.
Native to the high-elevation cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela, the cool-growing orchid is known for its leathery leaves and multi-flowered spikes of distinctive dark red and yellow blooms.
The CBM is a highly selective award, conferred only once for any species, natural hybrid, or specific variety that is well established, flowering, and considered rare in cultivation within Victoria.
Because very few of these certificates are granted by the judging panel, the double award represents a notable achievement.
In recognising Mr Nielson’s success, the OSCOV judges registrar praised the accomplishment, noting that the “plant seems to be quite rare and very difficult to flower and we believe it has not been awarded before in Australia.”
Mr Nielson will receive official certificates for both achievements, and the plant will be entered for consideration in the 2026 Orchid of the Year awards, which will be judged in February 2027.
For Mr Nielson, his journey into high-level orchid cultivation was entirely unforeseen.
“The last thing I thought I would be doing was growing orchids,” Mr Nielson said.
The hobby began as a way to honour his late wife, who loved growing orchids and passed away four years ago.
After her passing, Mr Nielson took over her plants and gradually fell in love with the hobby.
Over the course of five to six years, he has steadily built his collection, which now numbers approximately 2000 orchids.
He specialises in carefully cultivating rare and challenging species.
Beyond the horticultural rewards, Mr Nielson credits the unexpected hobby with expanding his social circle.
Caring for the plants has allowed him to connect with a diverse community of growers of different ages and backgrounds, paving the way for new friendships.
Mr Nielson is currently preparing his plants as he heads to the Orchid Spectacular in Melbourne this September.
