Smithsonian Orchid Exhibit 2008

[mkline3]

Every year the smithsonian and botanical gardens here in DC put on an orchid exhibition, they alternate where it is. Last year's was at the National Botanical Gardens, and it was absolutly wonderful! In 2007 it had been at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, but it was a much smaller exhibit.

In 2008 they held it for at least a month or two (Maybe longer) in the main room where they have fountains and benches and it was very open, bright and roomy.

The theme was Orchids A-Z, and they had giant letters constructed with signs and information about orchids. The letter "E" was a giant mounted lowercase shapped 'e' that hung horizontally from the celling, and had orchids mounted on to it. What the 'e' stood for? Epiphyte of course!

Here are some pics that I took of slippers, there were also lots of other pics of other orchids.

 

[mkline3]

Here are some pics of the "Letters"





Here are some more pics of the whole exhibit. It was really the best orchid exhibit I have ever seen!

 

[smartie2000]

Sounds creative!
I like that besseae-caudatum-type hybrid.
"V"must be for vandaceous...look at all those phals

 

[Yoyo_Jo]

That looks like a great exhibit! Neat idea. Thanks for posting your pictures - they're great. :clap:

 

[JeanLux]

thanks for showing!!! Jean

 

[goldenrose]

What a nice thread for this time of the year!

 

[NYEric]

THanx for sharing.

 

[biothanasis]

thanks for sharing!!! So lovely & creative exhibition!!!

 

[SlipperFan]

Interesting exhibit. Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[Ayreon]

Great!
Do you possibly have a name of the flower in image 4 from the top? I have a Paph that looks very much like it but I have no idea what it is.