Orchids
Photo by Melissa Carter
Orchids come in a rainbow of colors, from fiery oranges to enchanting blues. They have an alluring, exotic look that appeals to flower enthusiasts. And April Krebs, the special projects manager at Mounts Botanical Garden, says that growing orchids in South Florida can be easier than you think.
Krebs, who has worked at the 16-acre tropical oasis in West Palm Beach since 2020, is responsible for the garden’s adult programs, including the upcoming orchid growing essentials workshop. “Orchids grow in almost every climate on Earth,” she says. “An individual flower can last a month with the right care.”
Sandi Jones of Broward Orchid Supply will lead the two-part workshop on consecutive Saturdays, Aug. 6 and 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jones is an expert in orchid culture and care.
Jones’ classes at Mounts are perfect for beginner-level gardeners, Krebs says. “Sandi teaches students everything they need to know about growing orchids.”
Jones will bring orchids and supplies for students to purchase after class.
The workshop costs $70 for Mounts members and $85 for nonmembers. The cost includes full admission to the garden, which has over 6,000 species of plants.
You can register for the workshop at www.mounts.org/events.
Krebs has more orchid events planned for later this year. For example, Mounts’ annual exotics and orchids sale is scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18 with more than 30 plant vendors.
Krebs says Mounts’ upcoming season will be “The Year of the Orchid,” with programming highlighting orchids from November through the spring. Classes will cover subjects such as orchid design and history and “even some art classes where you can learn how to paint an orchid.”
Mounts will feature “breathtaking” orchid displays during the holiday season, Krebs says.
You can join the Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches or the Tropical Orchid Society, each of which meets at Mounts at least once a month. Krebs says, “They’re an important resource of orchid knowledge, and they welcome one and all.”
More upcoming events at Mounts:
Landscape and nature photography workshop with photographer Jerry Ginsberg, Saturdays, July 30 and Aug. 6, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., $65 for members, $80 for nonmembers.
Qi gong classes, every Thursday in August, 10 to 11 a.m., $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers.
Palm Beach County Residents Day, Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2), free with proof of residency.
Dogs’ Day in the Garden, Sunday, Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2), free for members, $5 to $12 for nonmembers.
Mounts Botanical Garden is at 531 N. Military Trai. For the full list of events and more information, visit www.mounts.org/events.
