Today is National Orchid Day.
It was created in 2015 by a South Carolina couple, Mike and Faith Young, who fell in love with orchids while volunteering at an orchid reserve in Mexico. They loved orchids so much that they decided that if they were ever to have a daughter, they would call her “Orchid”. They did have a daughter in 2014, but, unfortunately, they lost her at birth.
They wanted to do something to honour the day and celebrate the memory of their late daughter with their favourite flower. So, they raised the required $1,500 by selling their own special honey and got National Orchid Day registered.

Orchids are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species.
They are one of the oldest families of flowering plants and some species can live up to 100 years or more. The largest can weigh up to several hundred pounds, and the smallest is hardly bigger than a US dime.
An orchid seed pod can contain up to three million seeds. A plant may take up to seven years to bloom after germination, and seeing one flower after a long wait is always wonderful!

The orchid we are all probably most familiar with is phalaenopsis.

But there are so many different colours and shapes in the orchid world!

And even wild ones can be found growing on our doorstep if we are lucky enough to live in an area with suitable conditions.

So how can you celebrate Orchid day?

• Well, the best way is to go and buy yourself or someone else a lovely orchid! Maybe have an orchid party, where you can all show off your best ones!

• Certain types of wild orchids are edible and can be used to make tea. This is a perfect day to experience an unusual beverage.

• If wild orchids grow around you, or you have an orchid hot house open to the public near you, visit them and take some beautiful pictures of orchids to share with the world. Why not share pictures of any orchids that you grow yourself?

Let’s all celebrate their diversity and beauty by sharing all things orchid today, as well as our usual friendly fun and chat!

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.