What is the Manly Warringah Orchid Society website?
Updated
orchidsociety.com.au is the website of the Manly Warringah Orchid Society (MWOS), a community group for orchid growers and enthusiasts on Sydney's Northern Beaches that has been running since 1979. It is an informational and community site rather than an online shop: it tells you when meetings and events happen, how to become a member, and what auctions and shows are coming up. It is useful if you are considering attending a meeting, joining the society, or planning to buy plants at one of its auctions or shows.
Who the site is for
The society describes its purpose as "educating and inspiring orchid enthusiasts" in the area, and its events are open to both members and the public. In practice that means:
- Local growers and hobbyists looking for a regular in-person group on the Northern Beaches.
- Beginners who want to hear speakers, see plants, and talk to experienced growers.
- The general public interested in attending auctions or shows, where plants are sold and displays are on view.
What you'll find on the site
The content is organised around a small number of recurring activity types.
| Content type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Members' meetings | Monthly meetings, including guest speakers |
| Memberships | How to join the society |
| Auctions | Dates and catalogues for plant auctions |
| Shows and fairs | Multi-day orchid displays and sales |
Meetings
Members' meetings are held monthly at the Cromer Community Centre, and the society welcomes both members and the public. The site notes that the hall opens at 7pm for an 8pm start. A listed example is the meeting on Thursday 26 March 2026, where the guest speaker was Matt Roberts, an experienced Stanhopea grower, speaking on Stanhopeas.
Auctions
Auctions are presented as a chance for members and the public to "pick up a wide variety of quality plants at excellent prices" at the Cromer Community Centre. Two are listed for 2026:
- MWOS April Auction — Sunday 12 April 2026. The catalogue is expected to be available at least two weeks beforehand, under Events.
- MWOS November Auction — Sunday 8 November 2026.
Shows and fairs
Three multi-day events are listed for 2026, each described as offering orchid displays, plants for sale, access to experts, and demonstrations:
- MWOS Winter Show — 19–21 June 2026, Belrose Supercenter.
- Orchids by the Sea — 7–9 August 2026, Belrose Supercenter.
- St Ives Orchid Fair — 14–16 August 2026, St Ives Showground.
What the site does not do
There is no indication on the site that it sells plants or memberships online, and no pricing is published for membership or events. Treat it as a noticeboard and reference point: you go there to find out what is happening and where, then attend in person or contact the society to join. If you want to buy plants, the auctions and shows are the routes the site points to, not an online checkout.