Slipper Orchid

Spring deserves to be celebrated; it is a time of new beginnings when nature awakens after its long winter nap. Since 2016, we have made it our annual Spring tradition to attend The Orchid Show at the NYBG, to see the dazzling displays of nature's most exotic, and for many, the most stunning, revered, and opulent flowers in the world. 

Orchids come in a wide variety of colors and for The Orchid Show 2022, famed designer Jeff Leatham's use of arrangements and juxtaposing of color and size for his kaleidoscope theme was visually inspiring. From the centerpiece of the show featuring large sculptures in the reflecting pool of the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory surrounded by lushly cascading orchids in a rainbow of colors, to the terrestrial white orchids creating a pristine lined walkway, our eyes were on sensory overload. 

Wandering through each room of the conservatory filled with lush, glamorous, and exotic colors, sizes, and shapes of the diverse selection of orchids was a heady experience as their beauty and aromas created an unparalleled sensory experience. We love attending the show every year as the show is always different and we always learn something new and interesting about orchids by reading the signs placed throughout the show. 

Interesting Orchid Facts

There are 30,000 species of orchids, more formally known by their botanical name of orchidaceae, that grow on six of the seven the continents, the exception is Antarctica. They grow in all types of climates including the desert, the tropics, and even swamps. Some orchids grow on trees (and are called epiphytes) and some are terrestrial, meaning that they grow in the ground. 

Chinese culture has revered orchids since the age of Confucius (551-479 BC) and use Dendrobium orchids in tonics for herbal medicine. When it comes to pollination, some orchids are pollinated by insects attracted to their sweet smells, whereas hummingbirds have no sense of smell and are attracted to the bright colors of certain orchids.  

How to Identify Orchid Species

Moth Orchid

Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid, have moth or butterfly shapes. They range in color and can be mottled or striped.

Pansy Orchid

Miltoniopsis also called Pansy Orchid are easy to recognize as they resemble pansies however they are not related.

Epidendrum or Reed Orchid have long slender stems and can be epiphytes (tree dwellers) or terrestrial (ground growing).

Giant Vandopsis (Vandopsis gigantea) are large, slow growing orchids usually found growing in trees.

Slipper Orchid

Paphiopedilum or Slipper Orchid are the easiest to distinguish with their pouch that attracts insects to pollinate them.

Vanda / Rainbow Orchid

Vanda or Rainbow Orchid comes in all colors of the rainbow, are tree dwellers, have long, thick, dangling roots, and there are approximately 45 different Vanda species.

Dendrobium / Cane Orchid

Dendrobium or Cane Orchid have thick stems, are grown across Asia and Oceania, and have adapted to grow in diverse climates.

Cymbidium / Corsage Orchid

Cymbidium or Corsage Orchid has tall spokes of large, waxy flowers and grass-like leaves.

As always, we thoroughly enjoyed spending our morning at The Orchid Show 2022 at the NYBG, followed by a long walk through the awakening gardens where hellebores, weeping cherry trees, and camelias awaited. Of course, for us, no trip to the NYBG would be complete without a visit to their shop to pick up a few new plants and special seed packets. 

Take a stroll through the gardens

Do allow yourself a minimum of 2 hours to experience the show and even longer to take a stroll through the gardens bursting with color, take a ride on the tram to see the 250-acre garden, and visit the NYBG Shop where the knowledgeable staff can assist with answering questions about orchids or helping select the right orchid for you. In addition to The Orchid Show, the NYBG has many special programs and events during the year including their Holiday Train Show, so be sure to visit their website. 

Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience. Happy Spring! 

The Orchid Show Dates and Special Information 

The Orchid Show runs until May 1, 2022. 

Orchid Evenings (March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 22, 23 from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm) 

Orchid Show Care Demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm in the Conservatory Greenschool 

Orchid Basics Q&A on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm in the NYBG Shop 

The All-Garden Pass includes access to The Orchid Show, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and Tram Tour, plus Garden features including the Everett Children's Adventure Garden and outdoor collections. 

Admission: Adult: $30, Senior (65+): $28, Student (with valid ID): $28, Child (2-12) $15, Child Under 2: Free, Patrons/Members: Free 

For additional information on tickets and pricing, please visit the NYBG website at: www.nybg.org/visit/admission/ 

About the NYBG 

The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in Bronx, New York. Founded in 1891, the garden attracts year-round visitors with its exquisite beauty, spectacular exhibitions, and interesting programs. It is a National Historic Landmark located in Bronx, New York where its nearby neighbors include Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo. Do allow a minimum of 3 hours to thoroughly experience the New York Botanical Garden and its many programs. 

Other special exhibitions and events, such as Members-Only Previews, may cause early closing of Garden areas. Exceptions are also made for evening events, which may take place after normal Garden hours. For specific hours on the day of your visit, please see their calendar on the website: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/ 

The Garden, its buildings, and its tour vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities, except for a few areas where the terrain is naturally uneven. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at both Garden entrances, on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not accepted). An ID must be left with Visitor Services. Visit the website for additional information: www.nybg.org/visit/accessibility.php  

Please visit the website for additional information on the NYBG, The Holiday Train Show, upcoming programs and events, and admission: www.nybg.com

New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10458
United States
Telephone: +1-718-817-8700
Website: www.nybg.org
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NYBotanicalGarden
Twitter: @nybg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nybg/ 

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