On Friday the traditional orchid exhibition opens in Tallinn Botanic Garden

Between 3 and 12 March from 11:00 to 16:00 daily, Tallinn Botanic Garden will be holding an orchid exhibition, which has become a tradition over the years and provides a great opportunity to see rare natural species alongside the varieties resulting from people’s breeding efforts. At the exhibition it will be possible to buy orchids and turn to experts for advice.

In addition to commonly known moth orchids, you will be able to see a large selection of other tropical orchids, for instance, Venus slippers, Vanda orchids, boat orchids, Epidendrum species, Dendrobium species, Masdevallia and Oncidium orchids as well as cultivated varieties and hybrids. 

As part of the exhibition, experienced specialists will provide advice on growing orchids at home. During the orchid exhibition, from 3 to 12 March, questions related to the growing of orchids can be sent to [email protected]. Questions are answered by gardeners and senior gardeners of the Tallinn Botanic Garden. The plants at the exhibition are sold by Rikets Lilled.

The orchid flowers at the exhibition range in size from the head of a pin to the palm of the hand and in colour – from pure white to black. “The flowers and life patterns of orchids are so strange that it may seem Nature let her imagination run wild as she was creating these plants. Still, nothing about orchids is random. Every tiny detail of each petal has its purpose, all the spots, fine hairs, stripes, and exhilarating fragrances are meant for attracting pollinators,” said Eevi Siibak, the senior gardener at Tallinn Botanic Garden and the curator of the orchid exhibition.

However, in addition to pollinators, orchids have also managed to enchant people. Jaan Mettik, head of the tropical and subtropical plants division at Tallinn Botanic Garden, says that the looks and patterns of life of orchids are so different from what one would consider ordinary, and the diversity of species is so impressive that people have spent centuries trying to ‘tame’ these exotic beauties. “In old times, orchids would only be found in the homes of very wealthy people, but they have become universally loved houseplants by now,” Mettik noted. “The list of bred varieties has become much larger than the number of species despite the fact that there are nearly 18,500 of the latter. Tallinn Botanic Garden will attempt to show you a glimpse of this fascinating world, including the creations of nature and people alike.”

The orchid exhibition will be open in the Palm House of Tallinn Botanic Garden every day between 11:00 and 16:00.