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