Saturday, February 26, 2022

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

2 comments:

  1. So refreshing and elegant. I want to visit.

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  2. "He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter…. In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity." ~John Burroughs, The Snow-Walkers
    Thanks Paul. Much appreciated.

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