Tonight is the coldest night of the year here. While we've had a rather mild winter, a little lobe of Arctic air decided to visit in mid-February--my least favorite time of the year in Southern Wisconsin, even without a subzero cold blast. I'm ready for winter to end.
So, a couple of days ago, I headed over to Olbrich Botanical Gardens' Bolz Conservatory to see the current "Orchid Escape" display that will be in place through February. The orchids are displayed in five scenes--earth, water, air, and fire--representing the four classical elements.
Displays provide excellent educational information.
But most of all, observing the diverse orchids in a warm place was a treat on a cold winter day. The orchids weren't labeled, or if they were, I didn't want to dig around to find the tags. So I hope you'll forgive me for simply sharing the photos of these beauties, without naming them.
"Orchid Escape" is a great display and a great escape, for sure.
I enjoyed this foray through a warm place. I don't care to know the names of these orchids I am enjoying their color and form. Since I don't have a greenhouse I wouldn't begin to try to grow some of these specialty orchids. It was fun to see some of them growing on trees when we were in Costa Rica. I also love the vignette in the last photo. It looks almost like a real area with Bromeliads and orchids together. Lovely. Thanks for taking us to a warmer world for a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. Costa Rica is definitely on my bucket list, for so many reasons--including orchids and hummingbirds. They did include Bromeliads and other companion tropical plants in the display, so it seemed authentic. Very warm and life-affirming.
DeleteWow! Nice display. I love the lime green orchid. I've never seen one that color. The ruffled orchid (9th photo) is also unusual. I'll be looking for both when the local orchid shows happen here.
ReplyDeleteYes, the lime green ones were in a display with several of them planted among leaf litter to simulate a forest setting. It was really pretty. I wish I could have spent more time taking it all in. There were quite a few orchid types that I'd never seen before.
DeleteLovely trip into orchid land! I've never grown orchids, but my mother grew some and I remember how much she loved them. Great set of shots, Beth!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. I've only had a few orchids over the years, and never much luck keeping them alive longer than a year. But I do appreciate them!
DeleteBeth, it's all so lovely. I saw a lady's slipper in there. I like how they do this and show the orchids how they might grow in their natural state. That's a really cool thing. Like you, by February, I'm ready for winter to move on out. My hellebores are blooming, and I started working in my beds on a good day. Then, that cold came here too. Boo.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteBoo is right! I think we may have hit bottom, though, since the forecast shows milder weather. Yay. The orchids were awesome. Enjoy your days in the garden!
DeleteWhat a wonderful escape! Sounds like you have the same weather we're having in Laramie—mild December and January, cold February!
ReplyDeleteIt was--it cheered me up. We've been relatively mild all winter until the past few days. Just one more night next week below zero, and I hope that will be it for the winter. That will be only two nights below zero, which is very unusual for us. But it's harder to take in February than in January. ;-)
DeleteThose orchids all look beautiful. Must be an excellent botanic garden.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fabulous botanical garden. Always something new and interesting to see there.
DeleteI love slipper orchids (better check on my two)
ReplyDeleteMe, too! Lucky you, to have some in your house. I tried a couple of times to keep some alive, but they only lasted about a year.
DeleteI will love to enjoy those beautiful orchids.
ReplyDeleteYes, they're amazing plants. I could view them for hours.
DeleteI wish I could have gone with you - the scents must have been awesome! That would have cheered me up but it would have been hard to leave. The security guard would have needed to toss me out at closing time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Ha! That would have been fun, Jeannie. Yes, some of the orchids had scents. The conservatory always smells fresh and pleasant. :)
DeleteWonderful orchids.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was fun to view so many different varieties in one place. :)
DeleteI would have loved to tag along. Oh how I wish Madison was not 4 hours South of Cameron. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLet me know next time you're in Madison, and maybe we can visit the gardens together. Four hours really isn't that much. Hope you can make it to the Fling!
DeleteSome beauties here. I like the ones with long trusses of blue-purple flowers.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, those are fun! I really think they're all incredible: It's hard to pick a favorite!
DeleteOrchids are so other worldly- so lovely and unusual. Love seeing them, have trouble getting them to rebloom.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I've only had orchids a couple of times, and both times they only lasted about a year. But I love them!
DeleteBeautiful. An orchid fix is just what we need when the weather is cold and wet.
ReplyDeleteYes, so true, Chloris!
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