Annual Orchid Exhibit in Washington, D.C

Imagine if you could go to a spa where you are surrounded by countless beautiful orchids. Even better yet, their steam facial is free. You can enjoy this beautiful and calming atmosphere at the foot of Capitol Hill at the US Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. Although there's no official spa, the warm, humid environment of the US Botanic Garden provides a tranquil respite. Every few minutes, the serene courtyard of the U.S. Botanic Garden is gently humidified with high tech overhead misters. While fancy spas promote expensive oxygen treatments, the oxygenated air from the orchids and tropical plants is just as wonderfully pure, sweet and refreshing.

14th Annual Orchid Exhibit in Washington, D.C.
An Alphabet Garden of Orchids

The US Botanic Garden and the Smithsonian Institution's Horticulture Division are hosting their Annual Orchid Exhibit called "An Alphabet Garden of Orchids" in the US Botanic Garden Conservatory through Sunday, April 13, 2008. The exhibit features hundreds of beautiful orchids - including many rare and endangered species - from the collections of both institutions. Be sure to ask where to locate some of the fragrant varieties so you have a chance to not only behold their beauty but to smell their beauty as well.

Celebrating the Beauty & Diversity of Orchids
The exhibit explores not only the beauty of orchids from A-Z but also covers "their astounding Adaptations to their environment...to orchids as a big Business among growers and merchandisers...to the critical Conservation of orchids...to the Zeal of orchids worldwide."

Orchid Repotting Seminar
Thursday, April 3rd. 12:00-2:00 pm. Conservatory Jungle.

In conjunction with the exhibit, you can learn more about how to re-pot an orchid. Questions will be answered by U.S. Botanic Gardener, Clive Atyeo who is one of the caretakers of the U.S. Botanic Garden's orchid collection. Orchid repotting will be shown as well as advice provided on the proper potting medium to use, containers appropriate for orchids and when orchids should be reported. No pre-registration is required, just stop by to participate. You can even bring along an orchid from home if you have specific questions about your orchid.

Try This At Home
If you're inspired by the exhibit and want to try an orchid at home, try a Phalaenopsis, nicknamed the beginner's orchid because it produces generous size blossoms with minimal care. A low-light orchid, Phalaenopsis can be enjoyed in artificial light conditions such as an office or any location that enjoys bright light but not direct sun. Avoid exposing your orchid to hot, dry air and too much water and feed orchid food more frequently in the summer. You'll find orchid growing tips throughout the exhibit and by visiting the website of the National Capital Orchid Society.

For More Information About the Annual Orchid Exhibit in Washington, D.C.:
Admission is free to the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Annual Orchid Exhibit
Open 10 am-5 pm everyday
Address 100 Maryland Avenue, SW
The closest metro stop would be on blue line Federal Center Southwest or Capitol Hill South
Call the U.S. Botanic Garden at 202.225.1116.

About the Author
Adrienne Jenkins cannot resist a beautiful orchid. She was the plant buyer and manager for the garden center department of Frager's Hardware on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. She also wrote a monthly garden column called "The Hill Gardener" for the community newspaper called "The Hill Rag".