When someone asked me recently what my favorite flower was, my answer was decisive and immediate. Orchids! What? what about all those wildflowers you profess to love? what about roses? camellias? peonies? and dozens of other plants that are of startling beauty?
I know. I probably shouldn’t play favorites but wow. Once you’ve seen an orchid, it’s almost like seeing the face of God. There is simply nothing on this earth that can compare to the intricate and. unique beauty of an orchid.
Every winter I treat myself to an Orchid Day at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. ABG puts on a stupendous orchid show, beginning in February but I usually go in January. Not only are there no crowds, but it’s easier for me to appreciate the intricacies of each bloom when there are not thousands shouting for my attention.
The United States is native home to over 200 species (there are, to date, over 25,000 known orchid species worldwide, with more species being discovered every year). Unfortunately, over half the species native to the U.S. are considered endangered or threatened somewhere in their native range.There are over 100 orchid species native to Florida but, it might surprise you to learn that there are 48 orchid species native to Minnesota.
Contrary to my usual predilection for informing, naming and teaching, I’m just going to let these photos speak for themselves. Sometimes you just need to wallow in the beauty without worrying about the who and the what and the why. Just enjoy.
Phenomenal! Thank you so much. And I have to confess to agree that orchids are hands down my favorite too!
Yes, thank you for sharing these beautiful examples!
Now I have to think about what my favorite flower might be – something I’ve never done as an adult.
When I was a little girl, my favorites were lily of the valley and bearded iris. Petunias scared me to death because they stuck to my nose when I tried sniffing them. I was sort of jealous of roses because my mother had a huge rose garden and often paid them more attention than me – ha!