Orchids with an Indian twist
Kew’s Orchid Festival this year is getting a colourful infusion of Indian exoticism. The festival, now in its 22nd year, will transform the garden’s Princess of Wales conservatory with the sights and sounds of the Indian subcontinent, celebrating the official year of cultural exchange between the two nations, presented by the British Council.
The visual feast of colour, on until March 5, will feature elaborate floral displays inspired by a typical Indian market, complete with decorative rickshaws. Pond displays will include arrangements of vanda, dendrobium, cymbidium and paphiopedilum orchids. Strings of phalaenopsis will hang from the glasshouse roof, while a traditional Indian marriage swing will sway among the vandas. A giant Indian flag, created from 900 chrysanthemums, will set the backdrop as visitors admire life-sized floral sculptures of an elephant, peacock and monkey.
“This year’s festival is something really special and different,” said glasshouse supervisor Elisa Biondi. ● Entrance to the festival is free, included in the daily entrance ticket. There is also a full programme of events, including cookery and music, with special late openings at £15 per ticket. Visit www.kew.org/visit-kewgardens/whats-on/orchids.