Orchids in Bloom

Miltoniopsis
Whether you like your orchid shows big or small, ‘tis the season.

Stony Hill Farms’ 26th Annual Orchid Open House starts today and continues through Sunday, March 9th. It includes free lectures, and wine and cheese tasting stations hosted by vendors from Sussex County. Stony Hill’s orchid house is located along Route 24/513 West in Chester, NJ. Go slow along the driveway; it’s narrow, but has several pull-overs where two cars can pass.

We visit each year, if only to inhale the fragrance of the Miltoniopsis (not all are fragrant) and Dendrobium nobile. Their plants are all bloom-size, reasonably priced, and I’ve learned how to keep most of mine alive. They also offer a nice selection of cachepots. I like Stony Hill because it’s a small, family-owned business that’s a pleasant drive from where we live. Quarters are a little cramped when everyone flows out of the lecture and into the greenhouse, and you may have to wait in line to pay for your purchase, but everyone is cordial and the staff has their pack-and-pay process down pat. There are plenty of folks in the greenhouse to answer your questions about specific plants, growing conditions, etc. Get driving directions and more info at http://stonyhillgardens.com/gardens/events.php

Those willing to trek across the Hudson can treat themselves to an orchid show of dramatic proportions at The New York Botanical Garden’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory through April 21st. This year’s theme is Key West Contemporary. For the more adventurous, there are musical events, poetry readings, talks, book signings, and all sorts of orchid classes, as well as guided tours. You can get a taste of the show via videos on the NYBG website: http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2014/orchid-show/index.php 

Those who live closer to Philadelphia than New York might prefer to cross the Delaware and travel to Longwood Gardens for their Orchid Extravaganza, which continues through March 30th . Longwood offers a wide variety of programs throughout the month, so check out their calendar to see what else there is to do on the day of your orchid trip http://longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/orchid-extravaganza .

Enjoy!

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