Organic gardener growing food and flowers, lovin' pollinators and birds.

NYBG Orchid Show celebrates gardens of Singapore

'Butterfly Lip' or 'Big Lip' phalaenopsis, shown here in purple, features a wider lower lip instead of the traditional tubular lip. In the background are pansy orchids. Both varieties are featured on the Arches display at the NYBG Orchid Show.

Traditional phalaenopsis feature a closed, tubular lip.
BRONX, N.Y. — Among the dancing ladies, rainbows, canes and corsages at the New York Botanical Garden's 17th annual Orchid Show, keep an eye out for 'Butterfly Lip' phalaenopsis.

Also referred to as 'Big Lip' phalaenopsis (shown above), this new variety features wide, flat lips instead of the traditional closed tubular lower "lip" (seen at right). It is a popular new trait in orchid breeding.

"Even though the phalaenopsis is the most widely cultivated of all orchids, it is still as popular as ever and continues to be grown and bred. Just when you think you have seen it all, new patterns and colors emerge," said Marc Hachadourian, NYBG’s Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids. The original plant that displayed the wide lips came from the United States; hybrids are now being produced by breeders in Taiwan, according to Hachadourian.

This is not the first time a mutation has excited the orchid community. The ink spot mutation was discovered in Taiwan from a plant that exhibited flowers with "twisting, blotched maroon flowers," Hachadourian said. When used in breeding, "it started to create unbelievable patterns never seen before. It signaled a new direction in breeding."

Phalaenopsis orchids. 

Tiny orchid seeds need special fungus to grow 

Across the world, there are more than 30,000 natural species of orchids and about 100,000 manmade hybrids.

"Orchids have the smallest seeds of any plant known. They would make a poppy seed look like a coconut," he said. All orchids seeds are less than a millimeter in diameter and are dispersed by the wind. "But for an orchid to actually grow from seed it has to have a specialized relationship with particular kinds of fungi that the orchid needs for the seeds to germinate. If that fungus doesn't exist, that seed can't germinate and grow."

For some orchid species, seed pods can contain as many as one million seeds, but to find that fungus, orchids take a "shotgun" approach.

"To find the fungus it has to cast millions of seeds on the wind, hoping that one of them will land on the right spot, find that fungus and then be able to germinate and grow," he said.

Cymbidium orchid blooms.


A tribute to the 'City in a Garden'

This year's theme —"The Orchid Show: Singapore" — celebrates the country where the orchid is the national flower.  The show showcases the NYBG's take on the Arches at the Singapore Botanic Gardens' National Orchid Garden and the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay.

The Arches at NYBG are modeled after the Arches at the Singapore Botanic Garden.

Tropical plants mingle with orchids on the Arches.
The Arches recreated in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory consist of several varieties of orchids along with other tropical plants — creating a celebration of tropical horticulture in all its forms.

On the Arches, expect to find the newer 'Butterfly Lip' phalaenopsis along with pansy orchids (Miltoniopsis), which get their common name due to their similarity to pansy patterns. The pansy orchids also happen to be tremendously fragrant.

"What I love about this show is that as the sun moves throughout the day, and some plants are in the shade and others are coming into the sun, the fragrance and smell will change as well," said Hachadourian.

While the Singapore Arches consist of plants that are mainly yellow and gold toned, NYBG's arches begin with gold-colored elements and then transition to other colors. This showcases the many orchids found within the NYBG collection in addition to orchids brought in for the display.

"We have one of the larger institutional orchid collections of any botanical garden in the world and that diversity will be showcased in other areas [of the conservatory], while in these houses it's really about a celebration of color, texture, pattern and the gardens of Singapore," he said.

Pansy orchids resemble the "faces" of pansies.



Part of this year's orchid show are two recreated Supertrees (shown above), which are designed with a variety of epiphytes. One greets visitors in the reflecting pond at the entrance to the conservatory in the Palm Dome. The second allows for closer access to the structure with a meandering path alongside it, something that is "very Singapore,"  according to Hachadourian. "There's this feeling that you are literally floating in a sea of orchids and tropical foliage is all around you," when visiting either Gardens by the Bay or the Singapore Botanic Garden.

One of the most impressive aspects is the number of orchids that bloom at the same time. The show, which opened in late February and will run through April 28, will feature several thousand orchids in bloom. (For show hours, click here.)

'Palmer's Apricot' cattleya orchid.
Visitors are encouraged to use their cell phones to call, listen and learn how this orchid is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The NYBG also does an excellent job of providing signage and learning opportunities for visitors. "This is a group of plants that we bring people in to really wow them with our horticultural ability but then also teach them about plant biodiversity, why it is important and what our role is here in the New York Botanical Garden," said Hachadourian.

The Orchid Show is the last exhibit that will be in the Palm Dome before it undergoes restoration in late April.  (Don't worry — the majority of the 55,000-square-foot Haupt Conservatory surrounding the two courtyards will remain open during the work.) The orchid show was developed in partnership with Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Garden, where the National Orchid Garden is a leader in orchid hybridization.

Related news

Acclaimed international designer lends his vision to Orchid Show (2018)

NYBG offers delirious take on orchid obsession (2016)

Look up - and warm up - at annual NYBG Orchid Show (2015)

SHARE:

Floral Friday: Snowdrops


The snowdrops are beginning to appear in the back and front gardens.

This petite harbinger of spring has grown in popularity over the years (a topic discussed in a previous interview with Jane Rowlinson of Cornovium Snowdrops and Rick Goodenough, the moderator of Snowdrops in American Gardens on Facebook).

These are the first spring bulbs to appear in my Connecticut garden. Even if there are extremely cold temperatures, the flowers bounce right back with warmer temperatures.





This one looks a little sad. :-)




SHARE:

Garden designs encourage attendees to slow down, appreciate 'Beauty of Balance'

Joseph Gray's stone carvings invite introspection at the Boston Flower & Garden Show. 


Serenity. Peace. Reflection.

Garden designers channeled their inner zen to create display gardens for the "Beauty of Balance", this year's theme at the Boston Flower & Garden Show.

What do you see first when you look at this stone sculpture?
"Spiritual Awakening" featured hand-carved stone sculptures from Joseph Gray, whose work has been featured in interior design books and magazines. A large Meditating Man (made of stone) is placed above a large Yin Yang floral installation. The Yin Yang symbol represents balance in the universe, and is surrounded by a stone wall. "This exhibit, more than any other, I carved from my soul," he said.

"Most of my sculpture is based on what I am feeling at the time of the carving," Gray said. "This winter I was moved by a lot of events happening in the world and felt there was going to be an awakening of spiritual energy to bring us all together."

Gray's installation is not meant to be looked at quickly. There are thoughtful elements added to his design, including carved pieces placed alongside and in the stone wall. "The people in the wall are on a pilgrimage to see the Meditating Man to share in his vision," he explained.



Winter outside, spring inside

Many of the gardens designed for the show were representative of growing zones 5-6, and all included plants forced into bloom or early spring growth. Substantial planning and timing is involved in coordinating the timing for this "early spring" at flower and garden shows.

"The Teahouse", designed by Studio [id] Interior design, focused on a tranquil, Asian garden theme.  The team's design depicted a shady garden with a large, wooden Asian-style teahouse perched above a water feature, which included koi fish. Large trees, including Japanese maples, soften the structure, and everything is stitched together with a patchwork of moss in different shades of green. Large black bamboo plants lined the back portion of this garden.

"The Teahouse".


Attention to detail in the moss included in "The Teahouse" display garden.


Beautifully balanced landscapes are best created by Mother Nature, according to the garden display "Escaping to Nature" by Samantha's Garden. "We attempt to capture the calm, soothing tranquility of a natural forest scene with a meditative space that draws individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature in the hopes of bringing balance back into their lives," according to the display description. This garden installation featured an assortment of shade plants and a large structure complete with white curtains and lit candles to encourage meditation. A reclining Buddha statue overlooked the water feature in the space.

"Escaping to Nature".

While many designs focused on outdoor gardens, Kirsten VanDijk, the owner of My Passionflower focused on the indoors. Her "Destination Flower Shop" display encouraged florists who are considering opening a brick and mortar store to think beyond a spot to fulfill orders. Flower shops can be an "urban oasis" in the retail world, she said.

"The key is to create an experience. It is OK to come in and look around and breathe deeply," she said.

Her display included plans to have fresh flowers displayed in buckets (a trait found in European florist shops). It also featured houseplants such as philodendrons, pothos and hanging succulents, along with modern cultivars. "Houseplants can surround you every day," she said.

"Let's bring the community back to the flower shop," said Kirsten VanDijk, referring to her display, "Destination Flower Shop".

An antique cash register is a reminder of the past.



Houseplants even made their way into the garden of "Plug into Family" by Terrascape Design, which included air plants in the center gate of their display. Planted in containers and along the garden beds were yellow-blooming pocketbook plants (calceolaria), green purple and silver leaved Tradescanta zebrina, and orange-blooming kalanchoe. The design's intent was to offer an outdoor space for families to unwind with each other.

"Plug into Family".



"Plug into Family".


If you go

The Boston Flower & Garden Show
Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston

The show runs through March 18, 2019.

  • Friday, March 16: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST
  • Saturday, March 17: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST
  • Sunday, March 18: 10: a.m. – 6 p.m. EST


Admission
Adults: $20; Seniors (65+): $17; Children (6-17): $10; Children (under 6): FREE

Parking 
A free shuttle is offered from the EDIC Garage at 343 Northern Avenue to the Show’s entrance.
There is the Seaport Hotel garage across the street from the Seaport World Trade Center, and while it is convenient, expect to pay for that convenience. (I paid $34 for parking for just under five hours.)


SHARE:

Garden inspiration from the Philadelphia Flower Show

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Come for the flowers, leave with the ideas.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest and longest-running horticultural event in America (originating in 1829) and is a must-visit annual destination for many gardening enthusiasts in March. Attendees were encouraged to channel his or her inner flower child with this year's 1960s theme, "Flower Power: The Power of Flowers".

I was able to attend a three-hour sneak peek of this year's show, and I spent so much time taking in the displays and the FTD World Cup Competition that I never officially made it over to the retail section. (Which was immense!)

Needless to say, my focus was on the flowers. I felt so inspired and rejuvenated from attending this year's show. There are many design ideas and themes that you can introduce in your own garden (indoors or outdoors) this growing season.



Be bold with color

Many displays used bright colors to show off flowers, containers and garden structures. Here are some highlights.

Bright red arbors are used to grow peas in this sample raised bed garden by Stoney Bank Nurseries.

The Subaru area used bright crayon-colored containers to draw people in.
Strong colors anchored the centerpieces created by Flowers by David.

Spring bulbs were bright and bold, such as these purple tulips in the Burke Brothers Landscape display.
Several tulips were on display at the Jacques Amand International, Ltd. display garden.


Bring attention to pollinators

From the Hanging Meadow on display above the main entrance, a pledge to be a pollinator friendly, and mason bee houses tucked into a landscape, the show offered many reminders to be bee friendly.


A sprawling meadow comprised of colorful wildflowers — 18,000 floral and grass stems — suspended 25 feet in the air over 1,200 square feet of the show floor. 
Bee houses were tucked into the landscape design by McCullough's Landscape & Nursery.

Ideas to incorporate in your garden

A good flower show always gives you that "aha" moment where you realize you could try combining certain plants or take a design and adapt it for your garden. Here are some attainable takeaways and plant varieties that caught my eye.

Love this combo of Carex Buchananii 'Red Rooster' with Eryngium planum (Sea Holly) as seen in the Design Gallery  Garden entry by the Huntingdon Valley Garden Club.
'Mount Airy' Dwarf Fothergilla used in the sample rain garden display by the Philadelphia Water Department. 

Incorporate metal sculpture and fixtures in the garden, such as these pieces created by Greg Leavitt in the "Unplug and Play" landscape by Stoney Bank Nursery.


Add a romantic flair to the garden

Incorporate crystals, glass orbs, and even hanging vases to add an element of vertical drama.

Floral design by Arrange, Floral and Event Design.
Dramatic tables setting by Flowers by David. 
An interpretation of 'Spring' by the American Institute of Floral Designers descended baby's breath from above. 
The PHS Shop offered glass orbs for sale. 


Culture your love of houseplants 

The Flower Show brings thousands of plant lovers together who compete for the coveted blue ribbon in the Hamilton Horticourt. I also did manage to quickly visit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Shop, which offered trendy houseplants like pileas and adorable pottery for sale.

Houseplants long for admiration and a blue ribbon from the judges in Hamilton Horticourt.  

Adorable planters and healthy houseplants for sale at the PHS Shop.

Houseplants for all types of gardeners. 

Also on display were two unique clivias. Clivia miniata 'Sir John Thouron' was a gift to Longwood Gardens from the late Dorrance Hamilton ("the grande dame") of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society who passed away in 2017. A clivia of this size and with so many blooms is very rare and a treat to see.

Clivia miniata ' Sir John Touron'.
Attendees also had a chance to vote on the name of the new introduction from Longwood Gardens (below): the first clivia with its light green flowers. (The winning name was unveiled on the last day of the show, March 10  — 'Longwood Winter Green'.)

A new introduction from Longwood Gardens: 'Longwood Winter Green".

The 'wow' factor

You can't have a flower show without something fantastical. At the Philadelphia Flower Show, there were many displays that channeled creativity in a big way.  While these elements would be difficult to duplicate in home gardens, I would be remiss if I didn't include them.

Waldor Orchids' 'Kaleidoscope' display included a variety of orchids and tropical plants arranged on structures of various shapes and sizes. Their inspiration channeled a bit of higher thinking in having the plants represent the diversity of the human race. The literature asked attendees to notice how the perspective of the display changes depending on where you stand. They were hopeful it would encourage people "to consider each other's views as well as our own."

I couldn't get enough of this display, especially the center column which included mirrors and continuously rotated.

The displays were set in a pool of water which reflected the displays.




And, perhaps the most photographed display and selfie station of the show was “Woodstock.... A Renewal of Vows” by Robertson’s Flowers & Events. The area recreated a wedding scene from the '60s. (Groovy.)







Worth the trip 

I've heard from many gardeners in my area (Connecticut) and north of here who say visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show is something they want to do but just haven't managed to attend yet, mainly due to the drive.

I pondered the same transportation issue and decided instead to travel by Amtrak. I picked up the train in New Haven and departed at the 30th Street Station stop in Philadelphia. This left me with a 10 minute drive to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (thanks Uber!). This was definitely a less stressful way to travel and something to keep in mind in the future as another way to visit the show.





SHARE:
Blogger Template by pipdig