An orchid that recently was awarded the American Orchid Society’s Certificate of Cultivation Excellence is among specimens displayed in “Orchid and Bonsai Show: An Ocean of Color,” running through March 6 at Phipps Conservatory.
“Plants receiving this award represent the highest level of orchid culture,” said Adam Haas, interpretive program manager at the conservatory and botanical gardens in Pittsburgh’s Oakland section.
Orchids and bonsai are two of Phipps’ most prized collections. Dozens of varieties are featured in the annual show, selected to demonstrate the diversity of the family through different shapes, sizes, colors and even scents.
Similarly, the bonsai collection boasts prized specimens, some of which have been in training for decades.
“For the past 20 years, Phipps’ bonsai specialist, Kevin Haughey, has been caring for these special plants,” Haas said. “Kevin just retired at the end of 2021, marking his final Orchid and Tropical Bonsai show.”
A few bonsai are highlighted to demonstrate some of Haughey’s finest work, including a cow okra that is in bloom and a calamondin orange bearing colorful fruit.
“An Ocean of Color” includes hundreds of orchids and 30 tropical bonsai inside the Conservatory.
“Phipps’ collection also includes hardy bonsai which require exposure to cold temperatures for their life cycles, which are on display in the outdoor Japanese Garden,” Haas said. “As some orchids bloom rarely or for short periods, plants will be swapped out as they come in and out of bloom, ensuring a riot of colorful orchids with every visit.”
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• Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger visits Phipps after Pittsburgh concert
Sights, smells, sounds
Visitors to the show will experience:
• Displays of bright-colored orchids backed by large, colorful foliage.
• The fragrance of aromatic orchids such as Oncidium Sweet Sixteen ‘Prepossessing’
• Whimsical fish decor from room to room, with displays featuring vibrant fish wind socks, fish-shaped orchid planters and sculptures, and even live fish swimming through the Sunken and Orchid Rooms
• Tropical bonsai specimens showcasing a wide variety of species and pruning techniques
• Fruiting and flowering bonsai offering comparisons to their regular-size counterparts
The orchid and bonsai show was designed by associate director of exhibit design Jordyn Melino, with assistance from Haughey, collections manager Ben Dunigan and senior plant procurement, records and design associate Laura Schoch.
“Both orchids and bonsai require specific care, and Phipps horticulturists work year-round to keep the collections in excellent health,” Haas said. “Because caring for orchids and bonsai can seem intimidating to the home gardener, Phipps offers classes and programs to help demystify the processes, so folks can enjoy the beauty of nature right at home.”
Visitors to Phipps must register in advance for timed tickets. Masks are required for all guests 2 and older.
For information, visit phipps. conservatory.org or call 412-622-6914.
