Erika Shank had a chance to visit the 16th Annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanic Gardens, which ran from March 3 through April 22, and she send us these incredible images.
The show this year featured Daniel Ost, a floral designer (or bloembinder, an artist who works with flowers) from Belgium. He combines elements of Japanese ikebana floral arranging as well as methods from his native Europe to create his own unique design style. His work has been exhibited widely in Japan, Europe, and the Middle East, but this was his first major museum exhibition in the United States.
On a dreary day, the glasshouse at the New York Botanic Gardens beckons, promising warmth and color within.
One of the major installations in the show is called “The Cascade of Orchids,” a massive floral sculpture featuring thousands of orchids combined with tubing to create a totally unique sculpture.
Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis hybrids) were featured heavily in “The Cascade of Orchids.” Extensive research has streamlined the commercial production of these orchids in recent years, making them incredibly affordable and easily available for home gardeners, as well as allowing for massive displays like this. Moth orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow and rebloom at home, as they tolerate low light. Learn how to have success with orchids indoors.
Another shot of “The Cascade of Orchids.”
Most of the tropical orchids we love so much are epiphytes that live in nature perched on the branches of trees in tropical jungles. This installation of orchids and bromeliads mimics how they might grow in their native habitat.
Oncidium orchids with huge spikes of colorful, patterned flowers.
A tropical lady slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum sp.)
“Ribbons of Color” is a massive structure of bamboo and orchids, including many rare species and forms from the New York Botanic Gardens’ extensive collection.
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Comments
Had to be amazing to see all these presentations in person, Erika. The impact, even just in pictures, is breathtaking. I'm particularly dazzled by the large maroonish Oncidium orchids. Thanks for sharing some of your photos.
Fabulous array of orchids. Looks like it was a great show. Thanks for sharing.
Spectacular photos to discover this early cloudy morning! The picture of the exterior of the greenhouse was a great way to start the day, showing again how deciduous trees should be just as beautiful in winter as they are in summer! That bamboo structure and the tubing trellis are so intriguing! Interesting construction for both, and the back of my brain is already trying to figure out if I could use the ideas somewhere in my garden. For me, the lady slipper orchid was the show stopper. Wow! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures, Erika.
I've been to many orchid shows and festivals and helped set up displays for our orchid society for nearly 20 years. This looks like a spectacular show!! It shows the breadth and depth of the orchid hobby. If you are interested in more artistic pursuits such as design, you can work on displays. If you are interested in more technical pursuits, you can experiment with cultivation or breeding orchids. It's a great hobby for plant growing enthusiasts. Thanks for the photos, Erika!
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