Who We Are
We are a group of orchid enthusiasts interested in, and passionate about orchids, who meet monthly in Devon.
Free orchid advice from experienced members.
History
The close links between Devon Orchid Society and Burnham Nurseries that are evident today have been in existence for over 50 years.
In 1951, Percy Rittershausen and his family moved to Devon from London and established Burnham Nurseries.
Soon after Percy (grandfather of our current President Sara) began holding regular Sunday meetings at the nursery with a small group of orchid enthusiasts who lived locally.
Around this time, several regional orchid societies started appearing and a parent organisation, the Amateur Orchid Growers’ Society (AOGS) was formed.
With Percy’s cooperation, the first meeting of the Devon and Cornwall branch of the AOGS was held at the nursery in January 1958.
In 1960 the AOGS became the Orchid Society of Great Britain (OSGB) and the local organisation eventually became the Devon Orchid Society (DOS) as both are still known today.
What We Do
Produce a monthly newsletter containing cultural tips and other information of interest to orchid growers as well as providing news of the Society’s activities, with reports on shows, meetings and awards.
Members Meetings
What We Do
There is a monthly newsletter containing cultural tips and other information of interest to orchid growers as well as providing news of the Society’s activities, with reports on shows, meetings and awards.
Ten monthly meetings are held at Burnham Nurseries, where many beautiful and unusual orchids are on show and for sale, usually on the third Sunday of each month starting in the afternoon.
The nurseries are located at Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6PZ (just off the A38 between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey),
Society Meetings
Ten monthly meetings with inspirational talks at Burnham Nurseries, where many beautiful and unusual orchids are often on show and for sale.
Meetings are usually on the third Sunday of each month starting in the afternoon.
The nurseries are located at Forches Cross, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 6PZ (just off the A38 between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey).
The meetings’ programme includes presentations from professional and amateur growers about orchids, their culture, conservation and related subjects.
See our Meetings & Events page for the current programme.
The meetings are also opportunities for members to raise questions about caring for their orchids and seek advice from other growers about problems they may be encountering or obtain growing tips.
Auctions of plants are held usually twice per year, which provides members with the opportunity to sell their surplus plants and/or buy other different or more unusual plants at more affordable prices.
Display Table
There is a display table at these monthly meetings for members to show their orchids, with points awarded by experienced judges.
Shows
We put on and take part in shows.
Our Annual Show is usually held in May and we host an autumn show, usually in October.
Displays are mounted by several orchid societies as well as ourselves, and orchid nurseries also attend and have plants for sale. Orchid advice is available and potting demonstrations are given. Refreshments are also on offer.
We also participate at several other plant and orchid shows throughout the year, both across the West Country and further afield, including at the UK International Orchid Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Images from the 2024 show:
See our annual events programme for further details.
Social Media
We are always looking for content. If anyone has anything they would like to include, please drop us a line at mail@orchids.uk.com . Below are the links to the Society’s two social media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/devonorchids/ & https://www.instagram.com/devonorchidssociety
Latest News
UPDATE – Major Road Works A382: Getting to Burnham Nurseries
There will be major roadworks on the A382 starting 25th September 2025 with a road closure and diversion affecting anyone trying to get to the nursery from Newt ...
UPDATE – 2026 Provisional Programme
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2026: see Homepage for further details
UPDATE -Orchid Weekend, RHS Rosemoor, 11th and 12th October 2025
A huge thank you to everyone involved from the organisers to societies, speakers and traders for making this a successful and enjoyable event. Thank you too to ...
UPDATE – December Monthly Meeting
21st December 2025: Christmas Social followed by opportunity to vote on BOC Photographic Competition
UPDATE – Monthly Meeting November 2025
16th November - Phileus Fogg a chat with Ron around the world in 80 clicks
Meetings & Events
Programme 2026
18th January: AGM and International Orchid Show Presentation 15th February: Polychilous Phalaenopsis – Growing and propagation - Ray Hocking ( ...
Members Meetings
The first meeting each year is our AGM in January and we have developed a programme for the remainder of the year. Meetings are held at Burnham Nurseries and all start at 1.30pm, except for auctions which start at 1.00pm.
The latest information will be in our monthly newsletter and on Facebook at @devonorchids or click on the programme for information.
Shows
The Society hosts an Annual Show open to the public at Budleigh Salterton each May and an Autumn Show held annually at Burnham Nurseries, usually in October. The Society also mounts displays at other shows to which it is invited and those we are attending are included in the programme.
Membership of the Society is open to all those interested in orchids on payment of the appropriate subscription. The subscription rates (per calendar year) are £20 for individuals and £30 for two persons at the same address. Those joining after our Annual Show in May but before 31st August only need to pay half the annual subscription rate which covers them until the end of the calendar year. Those joining the Society after 31st August will need to pay the annual rates but will be covered until the end of the next calendar year. There is also a junior membership category for those aged 16 or under or still in full-time education; membership for this group is free.
Click the join or contact buttons and we’ll will provide you with an application form or any other information you require about the Society.
Join Our Community
