Through Sun 3/13
Fri 2/4-Sat 2/5 @ 10AM-5PM
Sun 2/5 @ noon-5PM
The orchid show has long been a staple at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, brightening the dreary start of the year with the myriad shapes and colors of this diverse group of plants that aren’t as exclusive to tropical climates as you might think.
But its 16th annual flower show, Orchids Forever: Synergy and Survival, broadens the scope beyond just amazing display of lavish floral beauty to educate visitors about the role of orchids in the environment. It looks at the relationship between orchids and pollinators and why the relations is essential for both, as well as their ecosystem
“The mystique and elegance of orchids highlights the wonder and beauty found in nature, and experiencing these plants up close showcases the importance of protecting them from increasing threats of climate change,” says Holden Forest & Gardens president/CEO Jill Koski.
Yes, there’ll be thousands of orchids of all types in the interior garden, as well as huge vertical art installations and artist renderings of orchids in the lobby. But in addition, in the Glasshouse graphic panels will information on the pollinator/orchid support system, and the Eppig Gallery will have large graphics explaining how pollination works and how orchids and pollinators interact in the wild.
“Orchids are part of one of the largest families of flowering plants on Earth,” they share. “They live on every continent and in most ecosystems including rainforests, grasslands, bogs, and even our front yards. Orchid survival is connected to the success of other living things in their ecosystem, such as trees, fungi, and animal pollinators.”
This weekend only, the Greater Cleveland Orchid Society is hosting its show and sale where you can meet and chat with orchid enthusiasts and pick up some plants for your home. It runs Friday February 4 and Saturday February 5 @ 10am-5pm and Sunday February 6 @ noon-5pm. (The Garden Shop will also have a selection of orchids throughout the run of the show, along with orchid gardening supplies.)
Bask in the beauty and at the same get educated about what it takes to make a healthy Earth. Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for kids 3-12 and advance reservations are advised. CBG is open Tuesday-Friday @ 10am-5pm, Saturday @ 10am-8pm and Sunday noon-5pm. Masks are required.
Also check the Cleveland Botanical Garden website for special programming including Ask the Orchid Doctor Clinics, an orchid photography workshop, and classes in orchid growing.