The Orchid Tapestry

The Conservatory Lobby features an Orchid Tapestry 

Orchid Daze 2012, Hanging Gardens was designed by Tres Fromme of StudioOutside. Tres' design for the entrance makes brilliant use of the soaring space inside the Conservatory Lobby. The orchid tapestry measures 12' from floor to ceiling. As seen from above its curving outline is broadly S-shaped as it traces a path between two opposing beds. The tapestry forms a vertical arch above the pathway in several places, allowing visitors to walk beneath it.

The Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis) is a terrific subject for this display. Miltoniopsis flowers are as large as those of Phalaenopsis and nearly as long lasting. The arching spikes are shorter than those of Phalaenopsis, but the plant typically produces 5 or more spikes of beautifully presented flowers. Miltoniopsis is much more tolerant of cool temperatures than Phalaenopsis, and so pairs well with Cymbidium, Dendrobium nobile, Masdevallia and other cool growing orchids that wither in the company of warm-growing Phals. 

And they smell delicious. In fact the fragrance in the Conservatory Lobby is overwhelming--in a sweetly floral way.

Oncidium Twinkle (we used two color forms: 'Red Fantasy' & 'Yellow Fantasy') makes a perfect pairing with Miltoniopsis hybrids, in texture, color and fragrance. The delicate texture of the flowers looks wonderful alongside the bolder flowers of the Pansy Orchid. I have always wanted to use Oncidium Twinkle in a display and finally had an opportunity this year.

Orchid Daze 2012, Hanging Gardens runs through Sunday April 15.

Shiny Rings & Orchid Things

It was pure pleasure selecting the orchids for the giant shimmering rings suspended above the Formal Bed in the Orchid Display House. When you are working with a palette of cool colors the choice of orchid varieties expands enormously.

Doritaenopsis Long Pride 'Sparks' HCC/AOS

Phalaenopsis are an obvious choice for any orchid display, with their graceful arching habit, large flowers and amazing longevity. The Doritaenopsis in our display are an intergeneric cross between Phalaenopsis and Doritis, two orchid genera so closely related as to be considered synonymous by some taxonomists. Doritaenopsis Long Pride 'Sparks' HCC/AOS is one of the most beautiful harlequin varieties that we have ever featured in our display--certainly worthy of the spotlight.

Beallara Tahoma Glacier 'Sugar Sweet'

Beallara is the name given to the offspring resulting from a sequence of crosses between the genera Brassia, Cochlioda, Miltonia and Odontoglossum. Thus, Beallara is an intergeneric hybrid, as is the Doritaenopsis above, only more complex in its genetic background.

I love the über-feminine look of these beallaras. They wear their frothy Odontoglossum lineage on their sleeves. Tahoma Glacier is pure white overlaid with rosy markings and a favorite of mine in a display where white is needed. 'Howard's Dream' is one of only a few Oncidium intergenerics with a large flower that reads purple, not red violet.

Beallara Marfitch 'Howard's Dream'

One unfortunate characteristic of some Beallara cultivars is their extremely weak flower spikes. The spike will often break under the weight of its full complement of mature flowers unless it is staked along its entire length. We learned this the hard way, of course, after an entire bed of 'Howard's Dream' collapsed prematurely during Orchid Daze 2007. So, beware. If not staked 'Howard's Dream' becomes Howard's Nightmare.

Beallara Big Shot 'Kitty Kat'

Finally, the diminutive Big Shot 'Kitty Kat,' which we just used to replace the 'Howard's Dream.' Most of the Oncidium intergenerics last about eight weeks in flower under our conditions. Since Orchid Daze lasts ten weeks we do a switchout at week eight. 'Kitty Kat' is a new variety for us and an unexpected delight.

Sunday is the last day to see Orchid Daze 2012! We are open every night until seven pm.