Visit to the Chicago Botanic Gardens
I visited with friends last weekend and we visited Chicago Botanic Gardens to see the Orchid Show India Blooms. The beautiful orchids on display were a lot to take in! The garden boasts several rooms full of the many species of blooms. Each vibrant and unique!
The day we visited, it was a cool wintery day at the gardens. We envisioned what it would like in the spring as we walked and saw the different plants and trees planted along the paths.
Upon entry, we were not sure what to expect with the Orchid Show. Would there be educational films or things to read about and smelling the flowers? We entered a room which had a mockup of a Banyan tree with various plants and flowers. The display said that India is one of the major orchid habitats in the world. Native orchid hot spots include mountainous areas such as the Himalayas, the highest mountain peaks in the world. India incorporates trees, plants and flowers into their cultural traditions, festivals and religious ceremonies.
This picture above is a sample of a ceremonial display consisting of various plants and flowers. Although I do not have the same beliefs as many in the India culture, I can admire the artwork on display.
Parts of the Orchid
Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae and there are hundreds of different species! Not to go into too much detail with the scientific names but they have petit to large size orchids, exotic to slipper and different scents! The number of orchids on display were overwhelming!
Before you read further, let’s look at the different parts of the orchid to bring a clearer understanding in the details described below. This photo, from Dreamstime, gives a great illustration of the basic parts of the orchid. The different shapes of the petals and the sepals give the orchid its own unique quality. As you view some of the following pictures, you will see how some are thinner or wider or more flowy, as well as a variety of colors and patterns.
A Variety of Colors
The orchids in the Chicago Botanic Gardens were not all flowers from India throughout the display. Local flower shops as well as flowers shipped from around the world, brought the orchid display to life. I picked only a handful from the hundreds of pictures I took and have categorized them according to colors, shapes and patterns to give an idea of the vast variety of orchids.
First, we will look at the variety of colors orchid can be found as well as learn a few of the names of the different types of orchids. Below are two types of colorful orchids we saw.
First, the Oncidium, more popularly known as the Dancing Lady is typically found in Brazil and Central America. It has about 340 species and comes in a multitude of colors.
Secondly, the Phalaenopsis is found in Asia and has over 70 species. This species is found in most of the local flower shops. Coming in a variety of different colors makes this delicate flower welcome in any home.
A Variety of Shapes
Next, we will preview a few of the shapes orchids have. As you look at these see the differences in the size of the petals and lips. These similar parts give them their own extraordinary appearances. I chose three types of examples to show the variety of shapes the orchid can be.
First, the Cattleya Orchids have frilly petals and are delightful with their accent-colored lip. These flowers like the climates in Central and South American.
Secondly, the Aerides, also known as the Cat-tail orchids and Foxtail orchids enjoy growth in dark, humid forests in Asia. These dainty colorful flowers are also have a sweet-smelling fragrance.
Thirdly, the Brassia orchid, also known as the Spider Orchid has an unusual appearance. Look at the thin petals and sepal! They look just like a spider! These tropical plants are found in North American, India, as well as the West Indies. They have about 35 different species.
I am not sure what type of orchid this one is, but its stunning appearance caught my eye. With so many to choose from it was hard to decide which ones to research and share about.
A Variety of Patterns
Finally, we will look at the different patterns these orchids can have. Some of them are natural patterns, while others are hybrids which is how they get their unique pattern designs and colors. I have chosen a couple particular orchids for this section to display their patterns.
The first one, shown below, is a type of Tiger Orchid from the Grammatophyllum genus. It is a large orchid that has the multi colors, but this one has a distinct pattern that is pink not the typical yellow with dark purplish-red marks.
Secondly, a Venus Slipper is pictured below. The lip of this flower is quite pronounced. which comes in different shapes and sizes. I saw one that was thin, brown and white and looked just like a shoe. While others, like the one below is larger and almost looks like a saxaphone! Cypripedioideae also known as Lady Slipper is another variety of the orchid which has thinner petals than the Venus Slipper petals.
Conclusion
Lastly, our trip at the Chicago Botanic Garden concluded with a wander into the Greenhouse and saw the many desert plants inside. God’s creativity of the variety of orchids, left us amazed as we left the gardens! Each was unique carrying its own characteristics. The beautiful array left us stunned in God’s wonderful creation.
If you visit the gardens visit on a spring or summer day to take in the beautiful colors of all the plants and trees. Listen for the birds to sing you a song as well.
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We would love to hear what you think about these beautiful blooms!