Thousands of orchids were on display at the 16th annual orchid show March 13, 2023 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle.
Tribune News Service
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual flower show, Orchids Forever: Golden Hour, is set to run Saturday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, March 17.
The show will feature more than 100 types of orchids. More than 3,000 flowers from exotic blooms to well-known varieties will be displayed throughout the indoor gardens and glasshouses. The theme will highlight sunrise and sunset with species like phalaenopsis, dendrobium and oncidium, featuring pink, purple, orange and yellow hues.
The Ellipse (main lobby) will present an array of vibrant orchids, with flowers and moss hanging from the ceiling. Glasshouses will have dozens of artistic horticultural vignettes. The Eppig Gallery will feature a wooded sunrise mural with orchids popping up from a forest floor. And the Japanese Overlook will spotlight rare orchids.
Artists Maria Wiltmer-Rich of Bainbridge and Gunter Schwegler of Cleveland Heights will have work featured at the exhibit.
Assorted classes will be offered:
• Virtual ask the orchid doctor: Horticulturist Dawn Gerlica will cover orchid care via Zoom. Info: Free; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, and Saturday, March 2. Go to holdenfg.org.
• Orchid repotting for beginners: The class will cover orchid basics and repotting techniques. Participants will repot a phalaenopsis and take home their freshly potted plant. Info: $40 ($25, Holden Forests & Gardens members); 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 17, and 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 1. Go to holdenfg.org.
• Foodies and flowers: Chef LaDonna Oltmans of Let’s Cook, Plant Based Cooking, will guide the class. Info: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Go to holdenfg.org.
• Behind-the-scenes orchid photography: Debbie DiCarlo will lead the workshop, which will cover tips and allow participants to cover the exhibit with tripods before doors open to the public. Info: $120 ($80, members). 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Go to holdenfg.org.
• Hand-painting on silk: Gunter Schwegler will guide participants in techniques for hand-painting on silk using water-based dyes. Learn brush control, color mixing, shading and history. Supplies will be provided; all levels of experience are welcome. Info: $100 ($60, members); 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9. Go to holdenfg.org to register.
The Eleanor Squire Library is open 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. And the garden store will sell orchids, soil, fertilizer and pots made for orchids, along with Schwegler’s silk paintings, scarves and accessories.
IF YOU GO
What: Orchids Forever: Golden Hour
Location: 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Admission: $20 ($14, ages 3 to 12; free, ages 2 and younger as well as for members)
Parking: Indoor parking is available.
