Monday, March 22, 2010

USBG part 1 of 2 - orchid exhibit

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When spring fever hits, it's time to dip into the carefully hoarded personal days and go on a little trip. My husband and I didn't have to travel far as the United States Botanic Garden is just a short ride into the city. Having heard the very cool and funny Curator of Plants speak at my Master Gardener class just the night before, it was fun to visit the USBG for the first time and know some of the behind-the-scenes info ordinary visitors might not. Orchids were currently on exhibit. Part 1 of these 2 USBG posts include some of the fascinating orchids on display. Part 2 (as soon as I get a chance!) will include other interesting plants at the USBG. I hesitate to post so many photos, but I figure you will either scroll slowly if you love orchids, or skim quickly and pick out ones you like if you're not particularly a fan. I think there's something here for everyone! It's hard for me to pick a favorite, since I like the weird man-eating looking ones, but also enjoy something pretty and pink. The orchid above makes it near the top of the list though - the blooms look like prehistoric birds coming in for a landing. Which one is your favorite?

















































Posted by Wendy at 9:07 PM
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12 comments:

  1. You weren't kidding when you said there were a lot of photos! Very cool, like I'm in a warm tropical garden. I do appreciate the weirder forms that orchids can take, like that first one you like--a Cycnoches species, maybe? The 3rd from the bottom is definitely my fav--cool colors and patterns, but more strange than pretty.
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  2. Wow..these are all so super gorgeous..it is hard to pick a fave..just beautiful!! Fabulous post...vibrant and full of colorful life!
    Kiki~
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  3. Hi Wendy~~ What a fun trip it must have been. I like them all but am most attracted to photo #7 [from the top]. The white spiky buds that open to those precious flowers....very nice. I look forward to the next installment. How nice that you live close to such an amazing place.
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  4. Wow so many orchid varieties! The green one is my favorite, don't know the proper name of it though but it's among one of your posted pictures. I think orchids are really pretty flowers and they last for a pretty long time too which is great.
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  5. These are so lovely, I suess most of them must be hybrids as they look quite exotic.

    Wished at least some of my orchids bloom.
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  6. That's fabulous! We haven't been there for years (since before they renovated the conservatory). I just talked the spouse into going there with me this afternoon, and I don't think he would have except that I showed him your photos. ;-)
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  7. Your photos are just as nice as the blooms :-D I wish I could be there myself to feel and enjoy those gorgeous orchids and so many types... awesome! Thanks for sharing.
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  8. I love them all, but the one beneath the green and yellow ones is definitely my fave. I have never been a big fan of orchids but after visiting the phila. flower show the last two years, they have grown on me. (no punn intended) Thanks for the virtual tour. You can never have enough photos of flowers to look at. never.
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  9. thanks for looking! Yes, the varieties are quite amazing! Entangled - I'm glad you were able to visit - hope my photos didn't make your trip anti-climactic!

    Oh, I also like the one that looks like it's doing the can-can. these flowers are funny!
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  10. Orchids are lovely no matter where they are grown and displayed. I never can get tired of viewing them. Some the orchids are very unique and seldom seen.
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  11. Orchids are certainly beautiful flowers but I can't seem to grow them right. They wilt so quickly. Not sure if it's because I'm watering them wrong or I'm not giving it enough lighting or air. I didn't think there was so many different types.
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  12. Wendy, those photos are gorgeous. Orchids are my weak spot, so I really enjoyed this post. As for a favorite, I can't pick just one!
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