Monroe County Master Gardener Association

post & photos by Gail K

Hey, did you hear–Gail attended the orchid show @
the Toledo Zoo???


I saw her!!! So did I.

The orchids were displayed throughout the Natural History Bldg & Conservatory.

Entry area filled with tiers of various orchids

The entire week was filled with various classes; all focused on one flower-THE ORCHID.

It was evident the orchid craze still exists…orchids, orchids and more orchids—in the walkways of the building; some hidden, tucked into the displays

I arrived early and enjoyed the extra time circling around the various displays before my class.

Talk about sensory overload–WOW

the explosion of color, shapes, smells– orchids in every possible area of the 2 story exhibit & conservatory.


So much to see- click, click ## Kodak moments I particularly loved the “slippers”



Others visiting the exhibit posed for “selfies” or group photo ops-everyone focused on capturing their favorite to be savored again at a later date–I took too many to share on the blog.

My class-focused on the flower facts of orchids.
The speaker was Ryan Walsh a staff member @ the Toledo zoo. His job is to care for the orchid collection on site; speaking at other classes, on other topics throughout the week.

Ryan offered a ton of information which covered species, hybrids, cultivation and pollination.

he shared how orchid flowers have evolved and vary to lure in specific pollinators. This one below

requires a moth with a very-very long proboscis- hence the white color to attract the night time
pollinator.

Did you know orchids have a different form of pollen-called Pollinia?

So much information- too much for the blog. I recommend asking Ryan to speak @ our meeting.

It was a long day-how could anyone be at the zoo and not visit the other notable features?
Mr. Polar bear says sit back and enjoy these orchid photos.

As we end our day @ the zoo—-let me share this quote by Darwin

If given an opportunity to visit an Orchid Show- I would encourage attending. Very interesting flower!!!!

SO LONG—YA ALL COME BACK REAL SOON!!!!!