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.

Native orchids of Canada

It's a little premature to be thinking about native orchids here in Toronto, but I just discovered a great list of native Canadian orchids compiled by the Orchid Society of Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario. Each species links to an information page with photographs and there is also a chart that indicates provincial representation.