A Little Tonic for the Winter Blahs

 As we approach the month of March, the promise of spring sometimes seems very distant.  I intended to wander a nearby woodland today, but it was a mess of ice and dirty patches of snow. Windchill was also unpleasant.  So, I am going try something different.

Two years ago, we were at Longwood Gardens for their annual orchid show. (Shortly afterwards,  we were in a Covid lockdown.  We had no idea what was coming!)  I am going to step back to that lovely day to share some favorite memories.

Entering the grand conservatory, one steps out of winter and into lush banks of flowers.  The air is humid and rich with fragrances.

The orchids cover an amazing range of shapes and colors.  The word Sensual seems to best describe them.

There are also other flowers to take notice.  I love the pollen on the lily petals.

The main show is, however, orchids in February and early March.  These orchids are as close to black as imaginable.

Longwood Gardens has just completed major renovations to the orchid conservatory and resumed the annual winter orchid display.  Entry is by timed ticket.  The final date appears to be March 21.  (Tripods are only allowed from 10 am to noon.)  Orchids are renewed five times weekly.  See their website at:

https://longwoodgardens.org/

Well, I certainly feel better after going back to find these photos.

Paul Schmitt

Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens

By the end of February, winter is getting a little long.  It's time for a break.  The Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania runs from January 18 through March 22. The number of brilliantly flowering orchids is beyond counting.  The Conservatory at Longwood displays much more than orchids.

Here a small selection of orchid images hint at the beauty to be found.  While there were some large walls covered with masses of orchids, I concentrated on the singular displays for their purity.

It seems that a small number of colors and a simple background speak clearly.

 These were all done handheld to minimize any inconvenience to others.  

 It was a Monday, so overall it was quiet; however, a tripod can be intrusive as the day progresses.

While orchids are often richly colored or even flashy, some are more subtle.

This intricate cascade of blooms stands out in part due to a simple green background.

 

Flowers seek to attract insects by color and scent.  I wonder if these orchids have added colors in the ultraviolet spectrum that the insects see? 

There can be no doubt that we are seeing the colors insects see in these blooms.

There are another sixteen really good images that I brought home.  These should be enough to put a winter-time orchid display on the list for a welcome relief from the February and March blahs.

Enjoy.

Paul Schmitt

Longwood Gardens

On the occasion of our fiftieth wedding anniversary, Pam and I returned to Longwood Gardens for their orchid show.  We were last there in May 2006 when we found many delightful scenes such as these. 

 Inside the Conservatory

 Water Fountains

 Afternoon Fountain Show

Dogwoods














We confined ourselves to the Conservatory on this visit with one exception.  There was eye candy at every turn.  Here are a few favorite images.  It begins with some of the orchids.

There is a lot more to capture your attention beyond the orchids.

We also subscribed to a behind the scenes tour of the greenhouses where there was just one final surpise, a blue poppy!

I left wondering why it had taken me ten  years to return.

Paul