Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens celebrates 'Love Week' with new orchid exhibit

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors back to celebrate the most romantic month of the year for the popular “Love Week,” happening Feb. 9-18 both during the day and in the evenings.

A press release stated, “New this year, ‘Love Week’ attendees will enjoy a beautiful orchid exhibit with for a romantic, flower-filled visit.

“ ‘Love Week’ returns for its third year of celebrating all things love, whether it be love for a friend, family, significant other, or plants. This popular time at the Botanical Gardens invites Western New Yorkers to visit the Botanical Gardens during the day or at night as a way to celebrate and make memories with their loved ones.

“The brand-new orchid exhibit is on display for the very first time and the conservatory is filled with over 2,000 brightly colored orchids, making for an unforgettable and beautiful atmosphere to share with loved ones. An installation of metal, winding sculptures, called ‘Chromatic Organics,’ will also be on display to experience both during the day and at night. These bright, mesmerizing sculptures complement the orchid exhibit as their curvy and linear nature is similar to that of orchid roots.”

During the week, visitors can experience the orchid exhibit every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or under lighting during the evening from 6-9:30 p.m. for “Orchids After Dark.” Those who come during the day will have a bright and intimate look at the orchids, and those who come during the evening will have a more dramatic and moody view of the orchids that are highlighted with dazzling twinkle lights.

The press release added, “Visitors will also see special fiber optic effects, which magically bend light into seemingly impossible shapes and complement the orchids in a completely out-of-this-world way.”

The response to this exhibit has been positive:

“I came to the Botanical Gardens ‘After Dark’ last night and was really blown away by the orchid exhibit. I have attended the gardens at night before, but this one took the cake. It was hard to leave! So magical, lots of work/effort put in, and just overall a super relaxing and healing experience. Thank you, staff, for all you do. We are so blessed to have this beautiful place, especially during bleak Buffalo winters," said Amy from Tonawanda.

“I’m a (Botanical) Gardens member and attend each seasonal show at least once every year. This year’s orchid show is the most amazing orchid show the Gardens has ever had. The show has been beautifully crafted and created with wonderful artwork throughout," said Arlene A.

“Really outstanding this year. Things really look arranged, fresh and bright. Went yesterday and there's nothing better than the Gardens on a sunny day in midwinter," comments Jeff D.

“Love Week” kicks off Friday, Feb. 9, from 6-9:30 p.m. for “Love is Love Night,” a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with local partners Glys, Niagara Pride Center, SoberOneSix and the Pride Center of Western New York. There will also be two drag shows throughout the night featuring Willa DeWhisp, Freddie Hercury, Gorganna and Carina Gunn, with music by Lydvicious. The first show will begin at 7 p.m. and the second show will begin at 8:30 p.m. “Love is Love Night” is included with admission to “Orchids After Dark.”

Those looking to make the most of the “Orchids After Dark” experience can attend “Thurs-Date Nights” happening from 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 8-22. These Thursday events include a glass of wine or beer from the Buffalo Bubble Bar as well as charcuterie, crudites and hors d'oeuvres from The Grazeful Gatherer. Tickets are required.

The ticketed “Orchid Exhibit” is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 9. “Orchids After Dark” is open from 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10, 12-14, 16-21, 23-25, and March 1-2.

For more information, visit the Botanical Gardens’ website at buffalogardens.com.

Images courtesy of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens