Orchids at Kew Gardens

It’s celebration time for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as this is the 30th year of their much-loved Orchid exhibition, set within the rare and exotic planting in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

This year, China is the inspiration for the exhibition, in particular the Yunnan Province, where 1,000 species of Orchid are to be found.

The yearly exhibitions are a visual treat, and this one is no exception: the giant, golden, scaled, dragon representing China being the main feature, set amongst beautiful orchid displays, with crimson, pink, peach and buff-coloured orchids running along the creature’s back, creating powerful imagery.

Moving along, visitors come across an installation of (I imagine) giant carp suspended above a serene pool, surrounded by the well-established temperate flora of the greenhouse. Orchid plants (like last year), hang low from the tall glass ceiling above, adding to the mythical scene/theme of a land time forgot.

Additional art installations can be admired throughout the visitors’ journey. Absolutely everyone, including children, was captivated by the visual imagery before them. It’s a theatrical, floral spectacular.

The fragrant orchids were, naturally,  extremely appealing, especially Phaius wallichii, a tall orchid (one of several) around 1 metre in height – and a thing of beauty.

The Orchid exhibition runs until 8 March, from 11am.  You will need to reserve a time slot online. Entry is included as part of the Kew Gardens ticket.

Anna L