CHRISTINE  BARTLETT

My name is Christine Bartlett and I am an Orchid enthusiast with a large collection of over 200 tropical orchids.  I grow orchids both in my house and in my greenhouse.  I started with just a few orchids on my windowsills at home but soon ran out of space and bought myself a greenhouse in order to expand my collection.  However, I always try to bring my orchids into the house when they are flowering because I love the beautiful colours and shapes of orchid flowers - some of them also have a lovely fragrance.

I am Chairman of the South East Orchid Society in Ashford, Kent.  I originally joined to learn more about orchids and meet other enthusiasts.  Now I am pleased that I am able to pass on to others the knowledge which I have learnt.

Our Society meets once a month (on a Sunday afternoon) to display our orchids in a competitive fashion and to hear lectures given by invited speakers. The Hall is full of the chatter from orchid enthusiasts exchanging tips and the perfume of the exotic orchids on display.  Every year we organise a Spring Show and an Autumn Show which is open to the public.  Our meetings are often mentioned on Radio Kent - Sunday Gardening and we always welcome new members.

I have trained with the British Orchid Council to become an orchid judge - which took 3 years.  I now attend national and international orchid events and enjoy being part of the judging teams.  The large Orchid Shows showcase some amazing specimens and such an array of unusual orchids.  It really is a privilege to take part in these events.

I am a member of the Orchid Society of Great Britain and regularly attend meetings in London where I am able to meet orchid enthusiasts from all over the UK.  In May each year the OSGB have a stand at the Chelsea Flower Show and I have enjoyed working on the stand and talking to orchid growers visiting from overseas.