Smithsonian Orchid Show 4/13/22

One of my many COVID projects has been trying to grow orchids.  Besides the usual purchases from supermarkets, I've ordered a couple from a dealer in Maryland -- rather expense and only 1 is still hanging in.  When I read that the Smithsonian had an exhibit of orchids, I really wanted to go.  

I was fortunate to have friends from the Ethical Society join me and with my parking app holding my reserved parking space for me, we headed into DC.

What used to be a rather routine event seemed so special because it was my first visit to a Smithsonian facility since pre-COID.   

The Kogod Courtyard is a gorgeous atrium between the National Portrait Gallery (my favorite of all the Smithsonian institutions) and the national American Art Museum.  

Surely there are more orchids named for individuals than just these three but it was nice that these were described:

What knocks your socks off about this exhibit is the amazing variety of orchids on display.  The only other time plants overwhelmed me was my only visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show but that was a much larger and varied show of all types of flowering plants plus cooking demonstrations, acrobats, musicians, etc.  

Below are just some of the photos I took in no particular order and without the names shown.  If you really want to know a name, let me know.  

Love the name

We got to meet the curator of the exhibit who obviously has a thing for orchids!

Scenes of the atrium

Even the columns were decorated.

Kids love playing in the water.  

Had to play with the panoramic setting on my phone.

Love this space and you can rent it out for private parties and bring in your own caterer and band.  I know because I organized a law firm holiday party here back in the day.