orchid escape

In the midst of the rain and ice gloomies, I decided to immerse myself in the tropics. No, I did not actually go to the tropics. Although that would be nice. I did the next best thing, and visited Olbrich Gardens Bolz Conservatory. It is a tropical wonderland!

I used to take my kids when they were willing littles. I've soaked in all the various glories this garden haven offers, inside and out. Mostly with my mom. I have not gone back since we were last there together.

Olbrich has expanded in so many ways. They draw crowds with many unique fundraising events and charge for most everything now. The outdoor gardens remain free most of the time. One of the long running seasonal displays my mom & I enjoyed together is now called "Orchid Escape". 

I used to be an orchid collector. I had a small collection of 19 various orchids at one time. I didn't offer what the needy things require to grow and rebloom. Humidity trays and misting only do so much. They all eventually perished. I only grow the easier common Phalaenopsis orchids now and enjoy the more exotic orchids elsewhere.

Wish I could share the warmth, sounds and scents of my tropical get-a-way.

I found the conservatory buzzing with eager children and educating parents. A few kept busy redirecting young ones. Practicing patience. Been there. The squeals of young delight, just add to the wonder of the atmosphere.

There were birds chirping and free flying overhead, koi swimming in flowing streams, waterfalls and constant eye discoveries. Many pairs and small groups of adults, having in-depth conversations about who knows what. There were many silent types too. Women still life drawing, meditators, students and others soaking up the serenity. Like me. 

The layout and lush vegetation magically drowns out noise.

If you are also in need of an escape, think warm and take in a long scroll. A tiny portion of the marvel of nature thriving in the Bolz Conservatory. There was a cute theme to the Orchid Escape display. The ** reflects my favorite finds.

a unique vibrant purple **

where fruit grows, even in the Winter

sooo many patterns

massive Epiphyllum (epi) Cactus growing waaay up in a tree

I have an epi that blooms big gorgeous red flowers. I started it from a single section of stem my old neighbor shared. He was my gardening mentor and a Master Gardener. Paul donated the mother epi plant. I've seen it displayed seasonally at Olbrich conservatory :))

waxy sweet scented Dendrobium
growing and hanging out of a wooden basket

Coturnix Quail roam free.
They are native to Asia and help with insect control.

Devis Tongue

One of several dark weird blooming stinky plants. No I did not take a wiff, but it was comical watching those that did. Pyoo!!

tightrope walker adorned in orchids

Cycas seemanii from the Pacific Islands

Cochliostema from Ecuador
(was more of a vibrant blue)

strong man ('er woman?) pressing huge orchid baskets

Costus
grows from Mexico to western South America

Peacock with orchid plumes

hot air balloon adorned with orchids

a seal being playful with orchids

some type of pitcher plant

elephant orchid displays were a big hit

small elephant

big elephant


tropical sounds provided by Yellow Canaries

finally spotted a Waxbill waay up high
(backside view)

Renanthera was a very popular orchid

chocolate scented tiny blooms

Guinea Chestnut tree bloom**

This cool bloom was near the ceiling, in a huge sea of green. I spotted it while walking the upper level deck.

notice the white on the fern frond, with um legs

(probably a mealybug)

snnniffff, ahhhhh

a long cascade of deliciously smelling Cymbidium orchid blooms **