What a difference a few days make. Today we are recovering from yesterday’s ice storm, but on Monday the weather was nice enough to allow for a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden and the annual Orchid Show.
Heading indoors for the Orchid Show, we found the place packed, not surprisingly, as it was Presidents Day. The theme for the show this year is ‘Orchids Magnified’ and the layout featured some interesting displays that included large magnifying lenses and small, hand held magnifying glasses with which to get a closer look at the blooms.
Although the magnifying lenses were an interesting concept, they were something of a challenge to photograph and, with the place being so crowded, it wasn’t always easy to maneuver in order to get the best shot.
Thankfully, much of the exhibition was sans lenses and so the camera was able to capture a clear image of some beautiful blooms.
The Orchid Show runs through March 26 so there’s still plenty of time left to visit. I would like to go again, perhaps when it’s not quite so busy, to take a less hectic look at things without feeling rushed to move on.
There are special hours for photographers to enjoy the show on Tuesdays from 8:15am to 9:45am. And there will be a post-show plant sale on March 30 from 9am to 4pm when many of the orchids in the show will be for sale.
The Nature of Things 
Absolutely beautiful! Images like the ones you’ve shared are so welcome this time of year when we’re all pretty sick of the endless snowstorms this winter. Thank you for improving the visual landscape!
Thank you, Monika! I always look forward to the orchid show as it comes as a most welcome break from the winter ‘blues’.
Absolutely Stunning!
Thank you, Michael!
You’re most welcome, Sue.
Lovely…. lovely! Excellent post, Sue!
Thank you, Indira!
What a wonderful pick-me-up to see these blooms!
I was so ready for this show!
I bet.
Wow! Such an amazing array of stunning, colourful orchids. Beautifully captured photos of the orchids and the magnifying lenses – they add a new dimension to the photos.
Thank you, Marianne! I went there again yesterday at a less busy time and was able to look more closely at everything. They really are the most amazing plants.
These are real beauties, I love orchids ! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for visiting!
Wonderfully breath-takingly gorgeous!
It certainly was a magnificent display and definitely worth a second and possibly third visit.
A fabulous display. The glasses were a good idea.
It must be quite a challenge, coming up with a different theme for the show every year, but this one was definitely a winner.
Beautiful! They are having an orchid event at the NY Botanical Gardens.
It’s always a welcome event at this time of year.
Wow, these are gorgeous, Sue. The magnifying glasses are an interesting and unusual concept. I enjoyed the views through them but the “plain” orchids are better.
The lenses were good for special effects but I was pleased that not everything was behind glass. I went back yesterday to get a better look at everything and thankfully it wasn’t so busy.
Your photos of these stunning flowers are fantastic. Such a treat at this point in the winter. 🙂
Thank you, Lynette! I always look forward to this show as it’s a most welcome sight during these dull winter months.
Lovely images! Hoping I can get to Chicago soon for the orchid show. 🙂
Thanks, Pepper! Enjoy the show. It’s well worth the visit.
Holy cats, what a show! How I love orchids. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you for visiting, Laurie!
The outdoor pictures are so peaceful, and the pictures of the orchid show are so colorful. And I really like the variety of angles and focal points that you included.
Thank you! After the crush indoors at the show, it was nice to get outside and walk around, even though it was quite cold.