(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — If you’re looking for a place to bring your valentine - or just a warm spot to spend time - the Chicago Botanic Garden is hosting its annual Orchid Show.
This is the 11th year of the show. The garden’s Associate Vice President Jodi Zombolo says they’ve learned some lessons about displaying the warm-weather flowers in the middle of winter.
“The trickiest part is having them delivered. You know, we did learn one year, I think it was during the polar vortex, we lost a whole truck of orchids because the truck was not heated,” Zombolo said.
Ten thousand orchids hang and sprout from displays in the garden’s indoor galleries, including many varieties native to India, the focus of this year’s show.
This year’s theme is India Blooms. Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh helped cut the ribbon to start the show on Friday.
“You know, orchid is like India, so many varieties. Every flower is differently colored,” Ghosh said.
Zombolo said those inspired by the show can learn how to care for the temperamental flowers at home.
“You do want to think about where you're going to keep it in your house and buy an orchid that will do well there. We do have a marketplace on the weekends where we have people selling orchids who know a lot about them, so you can ask those questions.”
The garden will be selling the orchids from its display after the show ends on March 23.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky