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Images courtesy of Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Images courtesy of Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Orchid exhibit, 'Orchids After Dark' returns to Erie County Botanical Gardens for tropical winter escape

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Mon, Jan 27th 2025 05:40 pm

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Press Release & Photos

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors to enjoy a flower-filled event like never before during its orchid exhibit and “Orchids After Dark.”

Enjoy over 2,000 orchids of all colors, shapes and sizes in an exciting tropical escape this winter. The orchid exhibit will be open daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through March 9. The exhibit will also be open in the evening with special lighting during “Orchids After Dark” on select nights and during several other special events. “Orchids After Dark” is open from 6-9:30 p.m. February 1, 7-8, 11, 15-18, 21-22, 27-28, and March 1 and 8

The orchid exhibit will dazzle visitors like never before. With over 2,000 stunning orchids, and quadruple the number of blooms, there are incredible sights to see at every corner. The exhibit is made up of several different varieties, colors, shapes and sizes of orchids. They are arranged into incredible displays using several different methods of hanging and wrapping. Visitors will not only enjoy the warmth and the views, but will also learn about the intricacies of orchid structures and their growth.

One of the favorite features of last year's orchid exhibit was the orchid arches. This year, there are three full arches in the Palm Dome. They are metal trellises covered in chicken wire and moss, planted with dozens of orchids, allowing visitors to walk under and get a close look at the details of the orchids.

Another fascinating feature includes the kokedama orchid displays. Kokedama is the Japanese word for “moss ball,” and refers to the practices of planting orchids and other types of plants in a sphere of soil and moss. These floating orbs take on a new design this year and are sure to amaze returning and new visitors. Those interested in kokedama can learn how to create their own custom kokedama during the kokedama workshop on March 22 (2-3 p.m.).

Perhaps the most exciting addition to this year’s orchid exhibit is the inclusion of watercolor orchids. These unusually colored orchids have been manipulated by horticulturalists and growers to produce uniquely colored flowers. These striking hues of teal, green, purple, peach and multicolor are nothing like the colors that would be found naturally in the wild. To create this effect, colored dye is carefully injected into the stem of a white-flowering orchid. The dye is a special, water-based formula that does not harm the orchids. The dye gradually makes its way through the stem to the flower, and new colors will appear on the bloom. The flowers will retain the dye through the end of their current bloom cycle. These whimsical orchids are incredibly saturated and are strikingly different from the average orchid.

Visitors can enjoy the exhibit day or night, with select evenings of the “Orchids After Dark” exhibit on display. Thousands of twinkling lights will bathe the orchid displays in brilliant colors and light. The lighting effects create a whole new experience with different visuals, shadows, highlights and spotlights that change the perception of the plant collections. Organizers recommend seeing the exhibit both during the day and at night for two incredible experiences.

“Orchids After Dark” makes for a great night out with family, friends or a date, and is also a great opportunity for photographers. Photographers should review the photography policies listed on the Botanical Gardens website.

Tickets can be prepurchased online for all exhibits and events at buffalogardens.com.

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