As the frigid winter weather swirls outside the Denver Botanic Gardens and its greenhouses, hundreds of spring and summer orchids will take the stage during a showcase for a month starting in January.
The blooming flowers, ranging from common moth orchids to more rare species such as the Venus Slipper and Dancing Lady orchids, will fill the garden’s orangery, Marnie’s Pavilion and Boettcher Center Lobby, said garden spokesperson Erin Bird. Visitors can also take a look at greenhouses where the garden’s special collections live.
Bird said the exhibition will look at the reproductive life of orchids and will be set up in a ‘vintage Dating Show’ style.
“The Orchid Showcase is a great way to celebrate lots of colorful blooms in the gardens during winter,” said Bird. “Orchids are popular but sometimes finicky houseplants, so it’s a great way for people to learn about the different types, get care tips and even add another plant to their collection.”
The showcase runs from January 10 to February 17 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. according to the event organizers.
Visitors can also purchase flowers from Colorado-based grower Fantasy Orchids during the showcase on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission to the sale is included with a general admission ticket to the garden.
Vogel said the popular thing Orchid show photo competition will return too.
The garden typically receives more than 1,000 entries and Mike’s Camera, the contest’s sponsor, will select three winning photos from the entries, Bird said. The winners will receive an orchid from the display and a gift voucher from the camera store.
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