AboutOrchids

Head to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for the Dracula Ball at the Conservatory of Flowers on Thursday, October 18th. This elegant dinner event with limited tickets will benefit the Conservatory and its collection of rare orchids, including Draculas. Guests will enjoy a program from Ron Gagliardo, chief horticulturist at the dazzling new Seattle Spheres. […]

Enjoy these amazing orchids for today’s equinox. Autumn is usually the warmest time of year for us on the Northern California coast. The fog pulls back, and we can finally bask in the sun that’s been baking everyone else. Last year, that meant record-breaking heatwaves in September. This year, so far, it’s been milder. We […]

Now that vanilla beans cost as much as silver, the world’s most delicious orchid is in the news a lot, and scientists are investigating the possibilities of vanilla farms in South Florida. Since vanilla is a vine that climbs trees, it could be “co-cropped” in avocado, citrus, or nut orchards. Farmers could harvest the beans […]

Big flowers get more attention, but don’t overlook the little ones. They may be tiny, or downright tough to see, but small orchid flowers are just as intricate and fascinating as showier blooms. These photos from July’s Orchids in the Park event highlight a few of their marvels. Dave’s and my cameras can compensate a […]

Vanilla has been in the news a lot lately, with skyrocketing prices contributing to crime problems in Madagascar. The BBC delves into the story, and explains what happens when vanilla costs almost as much as silver.

September brings busy orchid show schedules around the world, especially in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Can’t find a show near you? Check with your local orchid society for more info. September 1 Alfred County Orchid Society Spring Display, Hibiscus Mall, 19 Wartski Dr., Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa September 1 Redlands Orchid Society Spring […]