The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Orchid Mania displays blooms, wings
Cleveland Botanical Garden is the place for artists, families
Families, flower lovers and artists flocked to Orchid Mania February 4 at Cleveland Botanical Gardens at 11030 East Blvd. in Cleveland.
With almost 2,000 orchids on display, photographers Patrick Dobbins, Painesville, Stewart Helberg, Mentor, and Abbie Adams, Strongsville, focused on plenty of variety.
Helberg came to the event just to take photos of the orchids, but didn’t feel this years exhibit, which has almost 200 varieties, was as good as previous years’.
Dobbins also attended the event just to take photos.
“I think they (Cleveland Botanical Gardens) do a great job of this. It’s one of their premier events,” Dobbins said. “It’s beautiful and the size of the collection is amazing.”
Artist Joan Angle, Cleveland Heights, carried art supplies to the exhibit and spent the
afternoon drawing pictures of some of the orchids on display.
“It’s beautiful, although not as involved as it was. They cut way back on the orchids this year, but, it’s still gorgeous,” Angle said.
Jackie Wainilko, Copley, came to the exhibit as a way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with her family and to see the flowers.
The show is beautiful, Wainliko said, adding she likes the informative signs throughout the exhibit.
Amanda DiVenedetto, Rocky River, visited the show with her son Sparky, 12, an aspiring botanist.
“It’s very interesting. I like the different terrariums and the different humidities
and the different features of the plants,” Sparky said.
His favorite plants in the exhibit were the carnivorous ones.
In the family’s first time to the event, DiVenedetto was impressed with the natural displays, including the waterfalls.
Julie Minor, Parma Heights, attended with friends.
“We like to photograph together,” said Minor, who has attended Orchid Mania for the past three years. “I like it. There is a good variety, the lighting is good and the moisture is good. I have never been disappointed.”
In addition to the orchids, visitors to the exhibit will also see birds, frogs, a Chilean rose tarantula and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
A butterfly release is scheduled for 2 p.m. daily while the exhibit is open.
And the Greater Cleveland Orchid Society Show and Sale is noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 17-18 at the exhibit.
Also, Kent State Fashion Design students offer their designs on display — Fashion Meets the Botanicals — through Mar. 3.
Visitors can will have the opportunity to ask the orchid doctor questions about caring for orchids 1-2 p.m. Feb. 3, 10, and 24.
Gunter Schwegler, a local artist will display “Hidden Natures,” his silk paintings exhibit in the Art Gallery at the Botanical Garden.
The exhibit which opened Jan. 27 runs through Mar. 11.
Orchid Mania is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues. and Thurs.-Sat.; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wed.; noon to 5 p.m. Sun.; and closed on Mon.
For information on the exhibit visit www.cbg.org or call 216-721-1600.
“It’s very interesting. I like the different terrariums and the different humidities and the different features of the plants.” — Sparky, age 12, son of Amanda DiVenedetto, Rocky River