Orchids NOW at U.S. Botanic Garden

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You don’t have to be an orchid lover (hard to imagine, but still) to love the Orchids in Focus show at the U.S. Botanic Garden – because the display is SO innovative and includes plants larger and more glorious than most orchid-show-goers have ever seen. A partnership with Smithsonian Gardens, it’ll be wowing visitors through April 17.

For starters, this living wall of orchids has proven to be a huge hit with visitors.

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It’s situated at the end of the now orchid-lined pool.
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Stepping back, there’s a frame for what must be some awesome photos, selfies or otherwise.

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And the large, potted orchids are just amazing.

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Here are some close-ups of orchids in the West Gallery of the Conservatory, photos by the USBG itself.

Orchid - Rhyncholaeliocattleya Toshie Aoki

Orchids in Focus exhibit, U.S. Botanic Garden

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And THIS is fun – the USBG has partnered with the North American Orchid Conservation Center to develop 25 punch-out models of U.S. native orchids for use in a variety of educational activities. They include information about the conservation status and ecology of the orchids.

The first of the orchid-gamis is the Showy Lady’s Slipper. Just click here for a full-color, two-sided pdf file that can be downloaded and printed at home.