The Cleveland Botanical Garden will be bursting with color on Saturday, Jan. 27, when its annual flower show opens. Immerse yourself in the striking hues of sunrise and sunset to wipe away the winter blues with Orchids Forever: Golden Hour, running through Sunday, March 17.

This year’s show will highlight the serene feeling of sunrise and sunset. Species like Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, and Oncidium come in hues of pink, purple, orange, and yellow—the sky’s color palette.

Guests will be surrounded by orchids located throughout the indoor gardens and glasshouses, creating a dreamscape for flower lovers and endless photo opportunities.

“Orchids continue to mystify and fascinate as these delicate plants grow in some of the Earth’s most challenging conditions—truly awe-inspiring,” Caroline Tait, vice president of Horticulture and Collections, said in a statement. “Being near these beauties of nature and taking time to look closely, promotes a sense of calm as the fast pace of life melts away and we become mesmerized. It’s a blooming good example of why nature is so wonderful for our mental and physical health.”

Orchids Forever at the Cleveland Botanical GardenHighlighting over 100 different types of orchids, Orchids Forever: Golden Hour will display more than 3,000 flowers from exotic blooms to well-known varieties.

The main lobby will transport visitors into the warmth of a tropical sunset with Kokedamas of flowers and moss hanging from the ceiling and leading to a picturesque gazebo surrounded by mossy rock forms laden with orchids.

The glasshouses will have dozens of artistic horticultural vignettes with orchids everywhere.

The Eppig Gallery will feature a wooded sunrise mural with orchids popping up from the forest floor to give the refreshing feeling of an early morning walk at any time of the day, while the Japanese overlook will spotlight rare orchids with draped fabrics to enhance the elegance of each plant.

Special Art Spotlight

Bainbridge watercolor artist Maria Wiltmer-Rich’s  “Orchids: Minimalist or Maximalist” by Maria Wiltmer-Rich and Cleveland Heights fiber and silk painting artist Gunter Schwegler’s “A Spectrum of Color” will grace the walls during Orchids Forever: Golden Hour.

Classes

Virtual Ask the Orchid Doctor: Join free virtual classes on orchid care on Saturday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, March 2 from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Horticulturist Dawn Gerlica will answer questions and talk about best practices for growing orchids. Classes take place on Zoom, so participants can even show their plants from home! Registration is required.

Orchid Repotting for Beginners: On Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Friday, March 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., learn how to repot your beautiful orchids.

This class will cover the basics of repotting orchids, focusing on Phalaenopsis. We’ll start with some orchid basics and learn repotting techniques. All participants will repot a Phalaenopsis and take home their freshly potted plants. The price is $25 per member, $40 per non-member. Registration is required.

Foodies and Flowers cooking class: Put your cooking skills to the test on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a curated culinary class led by chef/instructor LaDonna Oltmans, from Let’s Cook, Plant Based Cooking. Class registration will include all necessary items for the completion of a delicious meal. Check the Cleveland Botanic Garden site for registration information.

Orchids Forever at the Cleveland Botanical GardenBehind-the-Scenes Orchid Photography: Come capture the Orchids Forever: Golden Hour exhibit up close on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a photography workshop. Photographer Debbie DiCarlo will host a workshop that includes the opportunity to get up close and personal with plants.

Following a brief session with tips and tricks, participants will have the chance to explore the exhibit with tripods before the doors open to the public. The price is $80 per member, $120 per non-member. Registration is required.

Hand-Painting on Silk: On Saturday, March 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. learn from artist Join Gunter Schwegler about what it takes to create silk pieces like those seen in the exhibit and learn techniques for hand-painting on silk.

Participants will use water-based dyes that flow like watercolor to create two painted silks, while learning brush control, color mixing, shading, and a bit of history. Supplies will be provided, and all levels of experience are welcome. Price is $60 per member, $100 per non-member. Registration is required.

Explore

Visit the Eleanor Squire Library to peruse children's and adult books about orchids. The library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Orchids, including some exotic varieties, will be available for purchase at the Garden Store, along with soil, fertilizer, and pots specifically for orchids. Or buy a beautiful orchid, silk paintings, scarves, and other accessories by Gunter Schwegler.

Tickets are on sale now for Orchids Forever: Golden Hour. Admission prices are $20 per adult and $14 per child ages three to 12 (free for children two and under). Admission is free for Holden Forests & Gardens members.

Orchids Forever: Golden Hour is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Botanical Garden will be closed on Mondays except for Monday, February 19th, President’s Day, when hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Botanical Garden is at 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. Indoor parking is available for a fee based on availability.