A Little Time and a Keyboard: Scenes from The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

Scenes from The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

Monday, February 12, 2018

Exploring  Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden 2018

On Sunday we spent some time in the tropics without leaving the Chicago area by visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show! The annual show provides a much need brilliant bloom infusion for this time of the year! An incredible number of orchids are on display in the greenhouses and adjoining exhibit rooms. This year's theme is Asia in Bloom.



Delicate solitary orchid in a tearoom display at Chicago Botanic Garden

I loved the opening solitary orchid set in a tearoom type setting. Stunning yet tranquil.

Orchids of every color combination inspire and even beckon contemplation.

Orchids of every color combination inspire and even beckon contemplation. Quite a few visitors took photos. Others sketched in pads. Creativity was certainly ignited.


Each year, there are learning components to the exhibit. This year, we learned about orchids' medicinal properties particularly in Japan, China and India. We viewed some elements in preparation of the orchids.


The delicate purples and pinks in the semi-tropical greenhouse were particularly soothing to the eye. They sat below the handcrafted parasols illuminated by the sun. This section is one of the most photographed.


Each time that I have visited the orchid show, I have been surprised by the variety of colors, shapes and sizes of the orchids.




Water feature highlighted by orchids at Chicago Botanic Garden

The tropical greenhouse has a lovely water feature highlighted by orchids.

Posing for photos for at the Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

There are plenty of spots to take photos. But you will need to be patient, there are many other explorers too! If you are taking pro photos, though, you do need to check with Chicago Botanic Garden. There are special hours set aside for photographers that wish to bring monopods and tripods. Check online for more info.

Orchid arrangements at the Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden

One section of the show is dedicated to arrangements. It is pretty interesting to see how orchids can be sculpted into a different form of art.



Before leaving, consider taking a photo in one of the corner seats adorned with lanterns. Very cute! Overall, the event is a much needed floral uplift during a gray winter. 

The show includes several special events including morning music with the orchids and evening with the orchids. Additionally, there are orchids and even clay orchids for sale.  The Illinois Orchid Spring Show & Sale will be during the event March 10-11 and an after show sale. Also, the show features Thursday Evenings: Orchids After Hours (4PM-8PM) where you can enjoy orchids and purchase drinks and light fare. Check the schedule for more information. The Orchid Show runs through March 25, 2018.

Tickets are:

Adults: $10/$12
Seniors 62+: $8/$10
*Children age 3–12: $8/$10

Parking is $25 per car

Purchase tickets online to ensure availability.

Stop by and smell the orchids!
**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Exploring  The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden 2018


13 comments

  1. This looks beautiful! I've never been to a botanical garden and I LIVE IN NY! We one in Queens, one in Brooklyn and the NY one! Flowers do make my nose itch... but those orchids look amazing.

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    1. The first time I visited my nose itched. This year not so much. I can't have them in the home so I rather deal with a little itching to see their beauty at the gardens. They are stunning!

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  2. How beautiful! I love the parasols. I've always been fascinated by orchids. They seem so fragile but they grow in such difficult climates (I can't grow anything so I just like to look). This looks like a wonderful outing.

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    1. Yes, I can only grow spider plants and aloe indoors. Orchids are so delicate so I am glad they have a show like this for us without a green thumb to enjoy!

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  3. Those are beautiful pictures and descriptions. I've been to a few home & garden shows, but never a show dedicated to orchids. Beautiful!!

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    1. It was just what we need to get us through winter! I think I will never get over the variety of orchids. Amazing!

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  4. Love the hanging parasols and orchids are one of my favorite flowers! Such a great way to escape from the Chicago cold!

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    1. It is the perfect way to escape the cold! :)

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  5. We didn't know this one when we visited Chicago last year. Are the parasols are the flowers or the upside down umbrellas? Anyway it is really pretty. No doubt this would be the photographic place. And Entrance fee is not bad.

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    1. The parasols are the upside down umbrellas. They are handmade. They did a fabulous job! We you consider how gray Chicago winters are, I consider admission a deal for a little uplift!

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  6. If I had not read the title, I would have thought you were in Singapore with so many photos of orchids. This looks like a fun festival. I'm always being surprised by the unique experiences and activities that Chicago offers throughout the year.

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    1. I think this one is perfectly timed. Things are pretty gray in January and February so having this to look forward to in February is amazing! You are right, we have a lot going on. January can be slower but there are quite a few sled dog events which are fun!

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  7. I love winter floral shows like this! This one looks like it was well done. I like that they mix beautiful flowers with other interesting elements, with education.

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