SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN) — Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has formed the largest scientifically documented collection of living orchids in the world since its establishment in 1973.
Now, marking its 50th anniversary, they’re celebrating with The Orchid Show 2023.
In the exhibit, hundreds of orchids are on display, some of which are among the rarest in the world.
“One key highlight is that our scientists have discovered, or described more than 2,000 species for science during this 50-year period,” said President and CEO of Selby Gardens Jennifer Rominiecki.
Each year, the gardens select a theme for the orchid show.
“This year, it really seemed fitting to pay tribute to our 50th anniversary since it’s such a special year to us,” said Rominiecki.
The exhibit is filled with images and artifacts that highlight the history of Selby Gardens, focusing on the people and plants that have shaped the gardens into what they are today.
The array of orchids on display come in different shapes, colors, and patterns.
“Having hundreds of orchid and flower all at the same time is always sort of jaw dropping for everyone,” said Rominiecki.
Selby Gardens emphasizes that the show represents the diversity of one of the largest families of flowering plants and that the displays are always changing.
So if you visit one week, you can expect new orchids and more to see the next.
“We’ve had thousands of visitors so far and this is definitely one of our very popular exhibitions that people look forward to every year,” said Rominiecki.