Spring Fling
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 02/11/2018
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Orchids are Mother Nature at her best, so come join us and check out all the beautiful orchids that will be on display. There will also be hundreds of blooming orchids for sale, as well as helpful information for growing these beautiful plants from the 7 vendors, and society members. Need flowers for Valentines Day...orchids are becoming one of the most popular flowers in the U.S., so why not get an orchid this year for that special Valentine.
The name orchid comes from the Greek word orchis meaning “testicle.” History claims that the Aztecs drank a mixture of the vanilla orchid and chocolate to give them power and strength, and the Chinese believed that orchids could cure lung disease and coughs.
Although orchids are commonly thought of as tropical flowers, they grow in almost every climate; however a few simple rules should be observed. For best success, orchids thrive in relative high humidities between 60 to 80 percent. Orchids need shade, but not so much as most people believe. Many popular orchids such as Cattleyas, Laelias, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Vandas and Epidendrums flower most freely if in summer they receive 20 to 30 percent of outdoor light; Aerides, Calanthes, Cymbidiums and Lycastes prosper if they receive 15 to 20 percent of outdoor light; Coelogynes, Miltonias, Odontoglossums, Cypripediums and Phalenopsis give the best results if they are subjected from 10 to 15 percent of outdoor summer light.
Plants grown excessively in shade develop rich green foliage but tend to be soft and do not bloom freely. If given optimum light the foliage will usually turn slightly yellowish. Too much sun will cause excessive yellowing and burning (browning) of the foliage.
Orchids are divided into three groups according to their manner of growth: those that are epiphytic or semi-epiphytic which live attached to another plant but the roots derive their nourishment from the surrounding elements, not from the plant itself as does a parasite; those that are saphrophytic which derive their nourishment from rotten vegetable matter; and thirdly, conventionally terrestrial orchids which grow in soil.
Throughout the ages orchids have relayed various messages. Ancient Greeks believed an orchid suggested virility. During the Victorian Era the English recognized orchids as a symbol of luxury. Today, given as a gift, orchids represent preciousness and seduction. However, different varieties have special meanings of their own.
Admission to the Show and Sale is free but Zilker Botanical Garden charges $1 children 3-12 seniors 62 + and $2 for adults 13-61. This is one of our annual fundraisers and the public is encouraged to attend. For a complete schedule of events, or for more information, please visit our web-site: http://www.hotos.org/
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.