Plan Your Visit

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Orchid Extravaganza - January 20 through March 25, 2012

Escape the cold of winter during Orchid Extravaganza. Explore a magical world of orchids where thousands of colorful blooms drape from walls, flow from baskets, and form captivating archways in artful displays.

Wander through our grand four-acre Conservatory where every day is a spring day.

New to Orchid Extravaganza: Taking inspiration from our Conservatory's arching windows, this year's Orchid Extravaganza features a new 13-foot living arch. Stand beneath this artful curved structure of 350 white Phalaenopsis and you'll feel your eyes drawn toward the violet orchid orbs suspended above the Exhibition Hall. Another new element of our orchid display, each of our six vibrant orbs features 120 orchids.

On March 23–25, 2012 enter a world of dazzling orchids showcased by the best collectors and growers from Hawaii to South America during the annual International Orchid Show & Sale ! Stunning exhibits fill the Conservatory and a wide array of orchids are for sale. Enjoy the American Orchid Society-judged show, guided tours, informative talks and a sales pavilion like no other.

Horticultural highlights this season:

General Indoor Highlights  

• Acacia
• Amaryllis
• Begonias
• Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)
• Bugloss (Echium)
• Buttercup (Ranunculus)
• Butterfly-bush (Buddleja)
• Christmas-pride (Ruellia macrantha)
• Cliva
• Longwood Hybrid Cinerarias (Pericallis)
• Coleus
• Delphiniums
• Eupatorium
• Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica)
• Freesia
• Geraniums (Pelargonium)
• Gladiolus
• Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
• Cape Cowslip (Lachenalia)
• Lilies
• Marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens)
• Narcissus
• Orchids
• Pansies (Viola)
• Primroses (Primula)
• Queen's tears (Billbergia nutans)
• Roses
• Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
• Stocks (Matthiola)
• Broom (Cytisus x spachianus)
• Tulips
• Velvet Groundsel (Roldana petasitis)
• Winter Red-hot-poker (Veltheimia bracteata)

General Outdoor Highlights  

• Conifers
• Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa)
• Hollies (Ilex)
• Siberian Squills (Scilla siberica)
• Tomasini's Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus)
• Topiaries
• Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)
• Witch-hazels (Hamamelis)

Please note that actual bloom times may vary depending on weather. The list of flowering highlights is subject to change.