Native orchid quest

An article last month in the Philadelphia Inquirer details the adventures of Mark Larocque, who has a travelled across the states to photograph wild orchids.

According to the article, "[o]ver the last 20 years, Larocque has photographed - in bloom - 235 of the 255 known orchids growing in the United States and Canada." What a quest!

Will doors stay open at American Orchid Society gardens?

According to an article in the Sun Sentinel yesterday, the American Orchid Society is considering a proposal that could see the gardens, greenhouses and gift shop remaining opening. They reported back in February that the public gardens would shut due to tough economic conditions.

Orchid species number 46 discovered in Fakahatchee

Exciting news from the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve last month when a rare orchid, Cyclopogon elatus, was discovered. This species has apparently not been seen in the US since 1980, and not just one but approximately 90 plants were discovered!

Watch a news clip from NBC2 and see a close-up photo and comments on Flickr.

The Orchid Show @ NYBG

The New York Botanical Gardens is hosting The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern from February 28, 2009 to April 12, 2009. Check out the show blog as well.

AOS headquarters will close to public in May

The American Orchid Society headquarters near Delray Beach in Florida will close its public gardens and greenhouses in May, the Sun Sentinel reported late last week. The society cites "declining membership and endowments hit by the financial crisis" as the reason for the closure. The article also reports that "[t]he society's greenhouses and gardens contain about 15,000 varieties of orchids" and that the society will continue its work in conservation, education and research.

WTVYNEWS4.com reports that "the gardens could reopen when the economy improves".

Bargain orchid blooms

I know I've posted pictures of this rescue cymbidium before, but it's so great when it blooms. I love the colour of the flowers and they have a bit of a mild scent to them as well. I bought this plant for $5 probably about four years ago. I think this is the second time it has bloomed. It is definitely the showpiece in our living room right now.

Upcoming orchid exhibit at the Smithsonian

Orchids through Darwin’s Eyes will be located on the First Floor of the Smithsonian national Museum of Natural History starting January 24, 2009 through April 26, 2009.

"Come explore the alluring world of orchids through the eyes of Darwin and the naturalists, horticulturists, and scientists he influenced. Discover new insights and curious surprises about these captivating plants, including the only orchid fossil ever discovered!"

According to the United States Botanic Garden, the 15th Annual Orchid exhibit presented by the Smithsonian Institution Horticulture Services Division and the U.S. Botanic Garden commemorates the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species.

Also, check out some spectacular press photos selected to publicize this exhibit.