Orchid Extravaganza Photos 2016

by Elouise

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Tomorrow’s forecast calls for snow and more snow. Not a ton. Just messy stuff followed by rain. I’m not complaining. The trees and shrubs will be happy. Still, it’s almost spring! So here’s what I’ll feast my eyes on when I wake up tomorrow–photos from Longwood Gardens’ annual Orchid Extravaganza.

Here’s a full shot of the gorgeous Australian Dendrobium above.
It’s sitting near the entrance to the main Conservatory.
Impossible to miss and one of a kind!

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Next, not to be outdone, an elegant close-up:

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And finally, minute details
God and other gardeners care about:

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They remind me of tiny dancers bowing gracefully to passersby–
The Waltz of the Flowers!

Next come elegant Lady Slippers.
Small, dainty, colorful, growing close to the ground.
Do you recognize their slippers?
See any tiny faces?
Hats?

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Finally, several others, beginning with the view inside
the main entrance of the Conservatory.
How about being a child again with
unspoken permission to get down on the pavement
and put your hands in the pool?
When we left, a couple dressed in formal attire
was being photographed in front of the orchid-laced arch.
So romantic!

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Orchids, like other epiphytes, can survive on their roots.
These are Vanda orchids, hung from rafters in the Silver Desert Garden.
Like Spanish Moss in the Deep South, they get air
and moisture through exposed hanging roots.

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 My eyes want to see a bit more color before we come to the end.
Will this do?
They look larger than they actually were.
D almost had to lie down on the pavement to get this first shot!

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 This tiny pair reminds me of elegant shooting stars.
Brilliant flashes of light.

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Have a great weekend, everyone!
Take it easy, give free smiles away and enjoy God’s creation.

Elouise♥

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 3 March 2016
Photo credit: DAFraser, February 2016
Longwood Gardens Orchid Extravaganza 2016