The Illinois Orchid Society Show

Phalaenopsis Taida King's Caroline

It's said there are more species of orchid than any other plant on Earth, with the possible exception of asters.

After attending "Spring Into Orchids," the Illinois Orchid Society show at the Chicago Botanic Garden this past weekend, I'd have to agree.

There were all colors, shapes and sizes -- everything from the more traditional Phalaenopsis and Cattleya orchids to lady slippers and pansy varieties. There was even one with a fuzzy white flower unlike anything I'd ever seen before -- a Rhyncolaelia.

I dearly love orchids, the way they provide a burst of color in late winter/early spring, just before the tulips and daffodils start coming into their own. Unfortunately, orchids don't seem to do well in my house. It may have something to do with my light exposure or getting the temperatures low enough to set the buds. I'm not sure.

So I usually go to this sale every year and buy an orchid, assuming it will be a sort of long-lasting cut flower. Who knows? One of these days I may actually get one to survive and even rebloom.  I'll definitely keep trying!

As you can probably tell from the photos below, I also love to take pictures of orchids so I can remember their beauty throughout the year. I hope you enjoy them.



Doritaenopsis Sin-Yaun Golden Beauty

Laelia purpurata

Vanda Sansai Blue 'Acker's Price'

A pansy orchid, Miltoniopsis Pearl Ono

 

 

Phagmipedium Suzanna Decker

Phalaenopsis Winter Carnival Carousel

Cattleya Blc Triumphal Coronation 'Seven Star'

Phalaenopsis Baldan's Kaleidescope 'Golden Treasure'



Iwanagara Appleblossom

Paphiopedilum kolopakingii

The strangest orchid at the show, Rhyncolaelia

By Karen Geisler

Macy's Chicago Flower Show: The Painted Garden

 

One of the colorful displays at Macy's Flower Show in Chicago.

I haven't been to Macy's spring flower show in Chicago for a few years now. The last time I went, there were only a few displays on the first floor, much to my disappointment. Given this year's late spring, though, I decided to check out the current show, The Painted Garden, which debuted today. I was happy to see the show is back to its former glory up on the 9th floor.

Orchids and bromeliads are everywhere as are tulips, azaleas, palms and lots of tropical plants. So if you're looking for some inspiration for your perennial or native plants garden, this isn't the place for you. That said, it provided a much needed shot of color on a cold, windy and gray Sunday afternoon.

Visitors are met by a large elephant decked out in brightly colored blooms. A path to either side then meanders around a white square central fountain. Scenes include a home's front door, a marketplace and several plazas. Flowers are in bold colors -- yellow, orange, pink and purple -- and the backdrops, all with Indian architectural elements, are painted in deep hues.

The show continues through Sunday, April 7 at Macy's State Street location during regular store hours. A complete plant list is in the show's brochure. Admission is free.



A photo of the Taj Mahal provides a nice backdrop for this spiral and peacock.

This potted palm is just one of many in the show.

I want this one in my back yard.

A marketplace scene includes baskets of colorful flowers.

The central fountain is surrounded with flowers and foliage.

This elephant at the entrance is a popular spot for photos.

By Karen Geisler

Dahlias

'Just Peachy' by Fred Brill of Mount Prospect, IL

The dahlias were dazzling this weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Central States Dahlia Society hosted its annual show in the Regenstein Building while just outside, in the Circle Garden, dahlias mingled with zinnias, grasses and black-eyed Susans to form perfect fall vignettes.

I have to admit I've rarely grown dahlias. They tend to be high maintenance, requiring a lot of fertilizer. They also prefer to be dug up every fall and stored over the winter.




Mingus Phillip II by Ed Zych of Buffalo Grove, IL.
Most Perfect AA Bloom, Section A

But after seeing the show this weekend, I may have to reconsider. I never realized there were so many different dahlia forms. Sizes range from 1 1/4 inch in diameter to a whopping 12-14". For exhibition purposes, they are divided into 12 groupings based on flower shape, number of petals and size.

Dahlias are mostly grown from tubers or fleshy roots, although they can be grown from rooted cuttings or seeds, according to a handout from the Central States Dalia Society. They love full sun, good air circulation and good drainage. Dahlias generally bloom from early August until frost.




Honeymoon by Axel and Nancy Joob of Wilmette

 

 

Midnight Star by Steve Kuiper of Goshen, IN
3 Most Perfect Orchid Type Blooms

 

Tiny (close up) by Jerry and Ruth Ann Wittrig of Goshen, IN
3 Most Perfect Pom Type Blooms, Section H, Class H3

 

 

April Heather by Robert Williamson of Madison, WI

 

 

Zorro by Jerry and Ruth Ann Wittrig of Goshen, IN
Most Perfect AA Bloom, Section D




Mingus Gregory by Tom Krewenka
Largest Bloom, Section W



The Best of Show

For those venturing out into the bright sunny afternoon, there were more dahlias waiting in the Circle Garden.

Dahlia 'Merlot' stood out beautifully again yellow foliage of Gay's Delight coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides 'Gay's Delight').

Dahlia Prince Charming played well with Ageratum houstonianum 'Diamond Blue' and Sedum rupestre 'Lemon Coral.'

Dahlia Heartthrob mingled with Bidens ferulifolia 'Bidcontis' and Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire.'




Heartthrob

Surrounding the central fountain was a mix of Dahlia 'Zachary Roberts' and Zinnia elegans 'Polar Bear.' It was set off by castor bean (Ricinus communis 'Carmencita Bright Red'), red pentas (Penta lanceolata 'Starla Red') and Salvia coccinea 'Snow Nymph' with a bit of Swedish ivy (Plectranthus coleoides) thrown in for good measure.

Everything glowed in the light of autumn's first full day. It was wonderful way to spend a sunny -- if slightly chilly -- Sunday afternoon.

By Karen Geisler




Prince Charming

Zachary Roberts

Merlot

By Karen Geisler