Orchids at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a magnificent place to visit at any time of year as the outdoor gardens transform magically throughout the seasons. But plants from other climatic zones are also on year-round display in the temperature-controlled glasshouses; and Kew is home to the oldest known collection of living orchids. There are two specialised orchid zones in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
Orchids are entrancingly beautiful flowers – vibrant and sensuous. Some are tiny with intricate petals; others are large, pitcher-shaped and flamboyant. There are 25,000 named species of orchids; and whilst they may conjure up images of an exotic paradise, orchids actually live in a wide range of climates, from the sub-Arctic to the Tropics.
With their intoxicatingly colourful designs, insects are drawn towards them and many orchids have complex relationships with their pollinators. Some can only be pollinated by a specific insect, which is a precarious balance. It is believed that 10% of orchids are now endangered in their native habitats. Some orchids have now become so highly prized that collectors will pay a fortune to own such rare beauty – adding to their uncertain future.
I own a large white orchid, which I have managed to keep alive and (occasionally) flowering for a decade – an achievement as they are notoriously temperamental and difficult flowers to sustain at home! But their remarkable beauty makes the challenge worthwhile…
I hope you enjoy my photos of these strange and enchanting flowers.
Oh I love the purple one!!! They are all beautiful Hugs
gorgeous !!!!!!
Beautiful photos, I love the pink and white ones.
A public boasting many varieties of tropical plants, from rare orchid species to the famous bat flower. Suites is in the heart of Manila 's cultural, and entertainment district.
It's an enchanting beauty! Great photographs. Some have its wilderness and is such a variety!