Outdoors & Nature Insider

At the Orchid Show Credit: Amanda Mims

Orchids. Some people love them, and others love them even more. I'm beginning to think that I may be developing a full-blown case of "orchid mania!"

After attending the 63rd Miami International Orchid Show this past weekend, I've come away with both a rekindled interest and a deeper appreciation for the individuals who cultivate them. When you see these plants in full bloom, you can't help but to be hypnotized by their beauty.

Let's talk a little about the scene at the Miami International Orchid Show. Besides Florida-based growers, there were vendors from Hawaii, Taiwan and Trinidad with fantastic displays showcasing their orchids and offering plants for sale (which were selling like crazy). There were regularly scheduled workshops on orchid care, history and research. I came back with quite a few Vandas and a Cattleya or two, and I've been staring at these plants imagining what it must be like to have a greenhouse full of them. 

The theme of the show was "Secret Orchid Gardens," and the exhibitors created elaborate displays, some consisting of several hundred orchids. R.F. Orchids designed a jaw-dropping orchid display that is, hands down, the most amazing plant display I've ever seen! It featured hundreds of orchids, sculpted archways and architectural pieces from China and Thailand.

If you weren't at the Miami International Orchid Show, you have to make plans to attend next year. You won't be disappointed! Make sure you have prepared to bring home some orchids for yourself! I'm in that obsessive learning stage where all I want to do is soak up all the information I can about orchids. Believe me, you'll have a great time and will see some of the most fascinating plants found anywhere.

I'm off to get in my comfy chair and read "You Can Grow Cattleya Orchids, Revised Second Edition" now. See you later!