Chicago Botanic Garden to host orchid show

“Celebrate Orchids!” is the theme of this spring’s orchid show at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, as the Illinois Orchid Society celebrates its 60th anniversary.

On April 28 and 29, exhibitors and vendors from as far away as Taiwan will display exotic orchid flowers, photographs, artwork and jewelry. The grand indoor space of Nichols Hall will overflow with orchids of all shapes and colors. Growers will compete petal to petal for first place and best in show ribbons.

The show is open from a.m. 10 to 5 p.m. each day, with photographers welcome from 9 to 10 on Sunday morning. Admission is free; Chicago Botanic Garden parking fees apply.

In addition to viewing and purchasing orchids, visitors can participate in lei and corsage making workshops, learn how to repot and trim an orchid, find out about the vanilla orchid, and learn to dance the hula. Children can paint flower pots at the children’s activity table.

For more information on orchid society meetings and the spring 2012 orchid show, go to www.iosoc.com. For information about the botanic garden’s programs and events, call (847) 835-5440 or visit chicagobotanic.org.