WITH a lifetime of experience growing plants, Cleveland’s Ugo Belligoi is the person to seek out at the Redlands Orchid Society’s spring show.
Mr Belligoi was the first person to join the society – his membership number is still one – when it was founded in 1971, but he was already a farmer by then.
Mr Belligoi’s parents moved from Northern Italy to Cleveland in 1924.
From the following year they farmed 30 acres bordering Bloomfield and Bay streets, mainly growing carrots and tomatoes.
Over the years, Mr Belligoi said he has tried his hand at growing just about everything.
“At one stage we grew big patches of beans. That was a back-breaking job,” he said.
Mr Belligoi’s interest in farming has continued.
This year he grew 60 varieties of sweet peas.
“I love growing something new.”
Mr Belligoi said he first joined the Redlands Horticultural Society as a teenager, but decided to join the Redlands Orchid Society at its first meeting.
His interest in orchids had started when he was at school.
“As kids we used to hunt for native orchids.”
Mr Belligoi said through the society he had made friends for life.
“I always say people who grow things are different to others – they are more friendly.”
About the show
The society’s Spring Orchid Show will be held on Saturday, September 2 from 8.30am to 3pm.
There will be orchid plants on sale and on show and potting demonstrations.
Mr Belligio said he does not show his orchids any more.
“I let the younger people do it now,” he said. “But I am always there to give advice.”
His top tip for growing orchids is not to over-water them.
“They’ll put up with dryness and survive well, rather than being over-watered.
The show will be at Donald Simpson Centre, 172 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland.
Admission is $3 for adults and children are free.
Money raised at the show will be donated to the Redland Hospital Auxiliary.
For information about the show or the Redlands Orchid Society, phone 3824 5931, email redlandsorchidsociety@bigpond.com or visit redlandsorchidsociety.org.
