Orchid Madness

Saturday morning found us at the Venice Orchid Society Show. Huge displays by local growers and orchid clubs were set up in the community center.

Paul can tell you the names of different varieties of orchids. Words like Oncidium and Cattleya

and Dendrobium.

My personal favorites are those like the Lady Slipper, which is Minnesota's State Flower. That kind of orchid is a Paphiopedilum and the picture below is of this variety.

There are so many different colors and types of blossoms in the orchid world.

They are incredible.

The warm-growing of this variety have mottled leaves. Our lady slipper is of the cold-growing type and green leaved.

I think there are more orchids fans down here because they grow so easily in this climate. 

Because, while we were trying to enjoy these beauties, we were jostled by orchid zealots. You'd think they were fighting to get autographs from a rock star. It became too overwhelming for us to remain there. I'm glad we took these pictures so we can look back to enjoy!

We drove immediately to the beach to walk and be away from the crowds. It was extremely windy out there yesterday, but at least we weren't arm wrestling with people. Personally, I could watch birds all day.

Someone I know bought two baby orchids on our way back to the camper. I think he might have forgotten we are not here permanently and have to get this stuff back to Minnesota. Oh, well. Back to living in the moment!