The Brighton Orchid Nursery was established in 1983, a number of people have
called it thepure Australian success story.
BRIGHTON ORCHID NURSERY - HISTORY
The Brighton Orchid Nursery was established in 1983, a number of people have
called it the
pure Australian success story.
Roslyn was the beloved daughter of an avid collector of orchids Fred on the other hand is a combination of Mediterranean nationalities,
Maltese-Egyptian. Growing up in Malta on a Market Garden – Cut Flower Farm, he
toiled the farm before and after school during the week and sold cut flowers to
the tourists on the weekends. He would make posies out of gladioli, lilies,
carnations and all the spring flowers, which they imported from Europe. Fred was
the real little business man, a great favourite especially with the English
tourists. Of course in those days the older children Later Fred headed north to follow the warm sunshine which he missed so much
and then he met up with Roslyn and together they established the Brighton Orchid
Nursery. So began the many years of hard work, a real team effort between
husband and wife.
He looks at more than the fantastic flowers, checking the growth habit of the
plants and inflorescence habit of the plants each time, selecting for robust growth, flower quality
and the plant’s history from day one. Brighton Orchid Nursery is well renowned not only its relaxing ambience but
also for the inviting reception area and well laid out retail shade house.
Bus loads of orchid enthusiasts enjoy morning or afternoon Devonshire teas
surrounded by beautifully illustrated orchids. This is truly an orchid
enthusiasts paradise
Each day is planned, but hardly ever does it go to plan. That is the great part of owning and operating a business such as this. You
never know who will
come through the door to buy plants and have a chat about orchids. Of course the
kettle goes on and it’s time to have a little rest. No matter how busy they
are, Fred and Ros always find time to socialize and talk about their favourite
topic with visitors.
Fred and Roslyn experience a great feeling of achievement when their
customers boast of winning Champion Orchid of the show or having received Orchid
of the Year from the Australian Orchid Council. Many awards have been issued to
orchid growers for plants cultivated or hybridized by the Brighton Orchid
Nursery.
and practically grew up in dad’s orchid house. From when she
was able to hold a Stabilo pencil in her right hand and copy labels
Roslyn had a very important job on her hands at the weekend;
Dad reckoned it was to keep her out of mischief, as she was the
middle child in between two boys. Whatever was his reasoning,
it certainly gave Roslyn a learning curve, which led to much
bigger things later on in her life. Roslyn’s father had a mixed
collection of orchids; Cymbidiums, Cattleyas, Paphiopedilums,
and of course Vandaceous. The Vandaceous orchids were her
father’s pride and joy, especially when he flowered the famous
Vanda Rothschildiana. That particular Vanda will always bear
vivid memories for the excitement it aroused in the family.
In those days,
during the fifties, family members shared each
other’s hobbies and became
somewhat involved.
were expected to work and
help support the younger family members, these efforts gave them a feeling of
purpose and well being. In 1962 when Fred was eighteen he came to Australia to
have a holiday with his cousin who was establishing a Motel-Guest House at
Apollo Bay in Victoria. That was the beginning of a whole new life for Fred, as
he just loved the Australian lifestyle.
Today Brighton Orchid Nursery is a Vandaceous Paradise; one
hectare, landscaped with beautiful Golden Cane palms and Alexander palms graced
with Mokaras, Arachnis, Renantheras, Arandas and Semi-terete Vandas. From the
main retail shade house where the Vandaceous Orchids, Cattleyas, Species and
miscellaneous genera grow in harmony together; to the alsynite, growing shed
where the community pots and small plants are nurtured after being deflasked; on
to the maternity ward which house the stud plants that have been carefully chosen to
be part of the breeding stock; on to the flasking laboratory where Fred
meticulously makes the champions of tomorrow. Fred imports his stud plants from
Thailand through their own registered quarantine house; and on his twice-yearly
trips, selects the very best for the breeding programme.
