Contributed by Karen Shaw
THE Little Red Cottage, an art and ecology space in Maleny, has been buzzing with orchid lovers this month, hosting a series of events celebrating the beauty and diversity of local native orchids.
The Orchid Identification Workshop with botanist and photographer Joan Heavey was a sell-out success, taking participants on a fascinating journey into the delicate world of native orchids – exploring where they grow, how to identify them, and their remarkable relationships with pollinators.
The weekend also marked the exciting launch of Joan’s brand-new Native Orchids of South East Queensland Field Guide – a long-awaited resource for plant enthusiasts, bushwalkers, and anyone with a love of the region’s unique flora. This Field Guide is available for purchase downstairs at Forest Heart ecoNursery.
Following the book launch, the gallery opened its doors to In Bloom – Native Orchids Through Art and Lens, a vibrant group exhibition featuring artworks inspired by these extraordinary plants. Visitors can enjoy paintings, photography, and mixed media pieces from local artists, each offering their own perspective on the beauty, ecology, and wonder of orchids.
The exhibition is open until Saturday 23 August (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm), giving plenty of time to visit, soak in the art, and perhaps take home a piece celebrating the orchids we treasure.
The Little Red Cottage – art and ecology space – is located above Forest Heart ecoNursery at 20 Coral St, Maleny.
