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Orchids Here and There
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
There is an orchid show coming up next week at The New York Botanical Garden.
Meanwhile, I am searching for orchids around town. And finding them. Where?
My friend Janet has three, which she was gifted by her daughter. Not sure all at once
or one at a time. While you may think of orchids as fragile and difficult, not always.
Moth orchids, Phalanopsis, for example, are one of the easier, not only to keep
alive but also encourage back into bloom. What's more, their flowers last and last.
Janet has two. I find them quite lovely, sitting on a plant stand near some windows.
Her third orchid is labeled as a Dendrobium. But there are so many hundreds of species
and obviously numerous cultivars that I cannot offer a name. Regardless, it is a dainty one.
I live in the Garden State, not some tropical jungle where orchids dangle from the trees. But a digression - there are native orchids in New Jersey. However they are terrestrial, ground dwelling. And are very persnickety of the conditions (and soil microorganisms) they need in order to grow, let alone thrive. Back to the orchids around town in February.
I was at the Shoprite supermarket in Clinton, part of the throng shopping before tonight / tomorrow's bread and milk storm. The produce section is right by the entrance. Where there is also a large display of cut flowers for sale, along with balloons etc. And a modest selection of potted plants.
Including a very minimal number, maybe four or five, phalanopsis orchids.
.
Two white, one burgundy pink, and one white blotched with wine. Priced at $21.99. I'm underwhelmed.
And as I said, I am searching for orchids around town. And finding them. Where?
How about in a big box store. Along with power tools, equipment, paint and lumber
their garden section has bags of soil, mulch, potted green house plants and palms.
.
And phalanopsis, the popular, easy-to-care-for moth orchids, priced at $20.98. Why not $21? No idea.
.
As well there are bags of orchid potting mix, even specific for phalanopsis. And fertilizers.
Valentine's Day is coming soon. Perhaps your sweetie would like an orchid.
The orchid extravaganza the the New York Botanical Garden opens on Saturday, February 15 to through Sunday, April 27, 2025. There will be a Members-Only Preview on Friday, February 14
The annual celebration of all things orchid carries visitors to the vibrant setting of Mexico for The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism. You are invited to set off on a journey where the fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry takes center stage amid awe-inspiring displays of orchids, and wander through lush landscapes brought into vivid relief with thousands of flowers that showcase diverse ecosystems and rich cultures. Among bright arrangements of orchids in settings inspired by the bold, multicolored designs of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán, come visit a paradise of tropical beauty—without ever leaving the Bronx.
The Garden is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, and select Monday holidays.
An All-Garden Pass includes daytime access to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and Tram Tour, plus Garden features including outdoor collections.
Adults: $35; Students (with valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $31; Children (2-12 years): $15; Patrons/Members: Free