Orchidarium and Philippine Orchid Society’s New Office

Orchidarium Park, Sunken Lagoon Area, Quezon Cityhall- Quezon City-Philippines

Quezon Cityhall overlooking the sunken garden

It was in the late 1970’s when Quezon City government had developed  the 2.5 hectares man-made lagoon for boating and fishing.garden .

 bridge

Among the attractions were the Our Lady of Peace grotto, a tea house, a rock garden and sister cities markers from several countries.

entrance

 New Westminster City -British Columbia, Canada totem pole ( sister city)

People would refer this place as Orchidarium Park in reference to the orchid species and hybrids that are planted there.

nipa hut as part of the garden fixtures

Philippine Orchid Society members during last November 21 general meeting and election

There used to be an active local garden club which is called Quezon City Orchid Society founded in the early 1980’s which conducts orchid shows and lectures near the compound.

gazebo area

 The Philippine Orchid Society started to have some garden shows at this place around the early part of 2000 until later part of 2009. There are also other plant societies like Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines ( CSSP ) , Philippine Bonsai Society which also held their previous plant shows and bazaar at the site.

plaque

The area is still undergoing some improvements and re-landscaping process .

orchid species like Dendrobium anosmum, Dendrobium aphyllum , Dendrobium busigerium were mounted on frangipani (aka kalachuchi)

It was early 2014 when partnership between Philippine Orchid Society and Quezon Cityhall government to develop, beautify and maintain the area . In fact , members started to donate native orchids and hybrids to beautify the park.

( Grammatophyllum wallisii and Dendrobium anosmum)  are still being introduced on large trees

There was a ceremonial soft-opening on December 22,2014 were members of the society were invited and Mayor Herbert Bautista. There are plans  to put a small laboratory and a green house for the propagation of rare and endangered orchid species for eventual release to the general public.

January 10, 2015 -inaugural ground laying ceremonies

A 50-square meter office with small library ( magazines and books about orchids and plants )  in which people can do research and visit the place. ( The place is not yet open to the general public) .

Vanda Miss Joaquim- Popularly called Singapore Orchid

Vanda Agnes Miss Joaquim is the national orchid of Singapore. This orchid was first found at the garden of an Armenian living in Singapore named Ashkhen Hovakimian.   It was recognized as a hybrid not only by orchid expert Henry Ridley in 1893 and again in 1896, but by other contemporary orchid growers as well as orchid journals including the Orchid Review. Sander’s Complete List of Orchid Hybrids, which distinguished between natural and artificial hybrids, listed Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ as an artificial hybrid.

According to old time backyard hobbyists in the Philippines, This used to be the most ” Loved” and most commonly grown imported orchid hybrids in the 1950’s until early- 1970’s since it can be grown with minimal care and can be grown in almost full sun. I remember that some of our neighbors grew this orchid hybrid around their garden and around the perimeter walls.  Gradually, backyard hobbyists slowly began losing their interest when the more showy semi-terete Vandas hybrids began flooding the market in the late 1970’s but somehow some prized collectors was left.

 Vanda lamellata blooming

A saleslady ( Malvarosa Orchids) told me that it was one of their most saleable orchid in the 1980’s up to the early 90’s. Unfortunately , They also ran out of stock .

Fortunately , There are a few backyard growers and dedicated orchid hobbyists from provinces that still grow this orchid . Hence a few were re-introduced again to the market.

Vanda lamellata ( one of the free flowering native species )

There were at least 50 Philippine orchid species that were introduced at the park. Some of them are the world reknown  Vanda sanderiana ( Waling-waling ), Dendrobium anosmum ( sanggumay ) , Dendrobium aphyllum ( fairy , lesser or dainty sanggumay ) Dendrobium dearei among others….

Dendrobium dearei and Dendrobium busigerum ( secundum)

A lot of them were planted on living trees, shrubs and palms . Some were mounted on kakawate driftwoods.

Trichoglottis philippinensis

The aim of having a living orchid , native plant collection is to properly educated and showcase to the public and gardeners on how important these species and their vital role in biodiversity conservation.

cacti and succulents

Aside from the dozens of orchid hybrids, ferns, hoyas, cacti, succulents, bromeliads and native trees.

library

Last December 5,2015 Philippine Orchid Society member Mr. Jimmy Yu donated several boxes of magazines and books to be included in the library .

 officers holding the magazines and books donated by Mr. Jimmy Yu last December 5, 2015-( They were officially turn-over to the secretariat ) 

However , a special permit may be requested at the QC parks development administration for the use of the space ( I think there are minimal cost for space rentals)

For those who wanted to donate cash , plants or any form of donation  for the project , you may contact the POS Secretariat at Unit 201 Delsa Mansion ,Scout Borromeo corner Scout Torillo street , Barangay South Triangle ,Quezon City

Contact Persons: Ms. Jenny F. Rivera ( Secretary ) or Mr. Jiffy Alegre

Office : Monday to Saturday -8:00am to 5:00pm

Contact Details:

Landline : 957-3524 , 09178485468

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