Great Hall of Orchids: Living with Orchids
March 30 - April 29
Oswald Visitor Center

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will host the Great Hall of Orchids, beginning March 30 through April 29, 2012. The Visitor Center will transform into a hotbed of orchids with a new exhibit, Living with Orchids, presented by the W. Duncan and Nivin MacMillan Foundation. It will feature an exquisite display from the collection of Orchids Limited in Plymouth. This year's orchid show also features an orchid display in the Meyer-Deats Conservatory in the Snyder Building. 

Orchid Limited's co-owner Jerry Fischer takes the adage "Bloom where you are planted" to a new level, using distinctive decorative pots, treasured plants stands, tables and pedestals to showcase his prize beauties. "We will have plant stands from the 1800s to present, everything from Empire style to Mission style, plus alabaster and marble pedestals, as well as Victorian wood and iron plant stands," he explains.

Orchids, growing supplies and books will be for sale in the Gift Store. Orchid periodicals will be viewable in the Andersen Horticultural Library.

See Jerry Fischer talk with KMSP's Garden Guy Dale K.

Don't miss these orchid-related events!

Orchid Preview Event, Interior Design Displays.
Presented by the Arboretum Auxiliary
Thursday, March 29, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Special evening preview of the "Living with Orchids" exhibit, complete with hors d'oeuvres and wine. New this year are five vignettes showcasing orchids in home-decor scenarios (created by Twin Cities interior design professionals who will be in attendance). The preview  will also feature sales of fairy dish gardens and terrariums incorporating orchids, plus spring arrangements. Special guests will be Jerry and Jason Fischer of Orchids Limited. Reservations are $30. Register for the preview event.

Orchid Treasures from the Library
Sunday, April 1 & Saturday April 21, 1-3 p.m., Teaching Classroom, Oswald Visitor Center
The Andersen Horticultural Library will show exquisite orchid images from its collection of rare orchid books (published over the last 200 years).  The U of M Wangensteen Library of Biology and Medicine also will display some large folio books.  Free with gate admission.

Orchids Up Close: An Evening of Macrophotography
Two dates! Thurs., April 5, 6:30-9:30 p.m. & Thurs., April 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m.,
$45.00 member/$50.00 non-member, Oswald Visitor Center
Take advantage of exclusive access to the Great Hall of Orchids Exhibit in the Visitor Center. You will be part of a small group of photographers who will have the exhibit after hours and to yourselves, allowing you to explore the amazing exhibit through your macro-lens. Expert photographer Ben Manlove will provide instruction and guidance in getting the most out of every shot and how to best approach your floral subject up close. Register for class.

Orchid Culture 101
Saturday, April 21, 9:30 a.m. - noon,
$45 member/$50 non-member, Oswald Visitor Center.
Growing orchids in a Minnesota home environment is easier than in a Florida backyard. Orchid grower and expert Jerry Fischer will show you how in "Orchid Culture 101." In this class, held during the exclusive Orchid Exhibit featuring hundreds of orchids on display at the Visitor Center, you will learn the tips and techniques needed to be a successful home orchid grower, including the right amount of light and water, temperature needs, insect and disease management and how to select the best plants for you to purchase. Take home a small orchid and bring the long-lasting exotic beauty of orchids into your life. Register for class.

Please note there are new Arboretum tripod limitations to ensure the gardens, natural areas and indoor attractions are welcoming, accessible places for everyone. Read the limitations. Thank you for your cooperation.