It may be cold outside, but here it’s a paradise

It may be cold and icy outside, but the warm oasis that is offered by The Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens will make you think it’s springtime.

Over 5,000 blooming orchids are offered as a colorful display in the fouracre conservatory that will be shown until March 27. The award-winning Orchid curtain returns to display, which stands 17 feet high and features 250 purple Phaleanopsis and Cattleya orchids. Fifty Cattleya orchids are replaced every two weeks so that fresh plants are always on display.

According to Greg Griffis, Orchid Grower at Longwood Gardens, plants are selected according to the design that is set by designer Jim Sutton. There are certain plants that they know will work in the environment and last for some time, but plants are also selected based on what is available.

There are three main types of orchids that are on display: Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, and Vanda. The Phalaenopsis have long lasting flowers in many colors and make up Longwood’s orchid orbs, part of the orchid curtain, and the orchid arch.

According to Griffis, “Cymbidiums are prized for their long lasting, bright colored flowers, and their floriferous nature.” The Cymbidiums are in urns and featured in the Acacia passage this year.

In the Silver Garden there are blue Vanda orchids hanging overhead, and it all comes together to create one of the most spectacular displays at the exhibit. Along with offering a display of orchids, Longwood Gardens also offers multiple performances throughout the exhibit. Time for Three, the classical string trio, will be performing on Thursday, Feb. 11. Organist James O’Donnell will perform Friday, Feb. 19, and New Zealand’s Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra will perform on Tuesday, March 8. There is also an organ pipes gallery that offers guests a rest from the extensive garden.