Orchid Jewels

It’s orchid time in Florida and the museum shop is in bloom with beautiful orchid jewelry made from real flowers. The orchid pins, pendants, and earrings are “designed by nature” and preserved forever using a unique process. See our new display at the WMODA gift shop to celebrate the 63rd Annual Orchid Show organized by the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society at Broward Convention Center from January 21-23.

Orchid Mania

Since ancient times, orchids have been valued for their beauty and beneficial effects. The Greeks and Romans cultivated orchids for medicinal purposes, including varieties for aphrodisiacs. In South America, orchids were grown for their perfume and culinary uses. However, orchid mania really took root in 19th century Britain where vast quantities of tropical species were cultivated for wealthy collectors. Orchid hunters plucked thousands of new species from the rainforests of the world and shipped them to specialist nurseries for classification by botanists. Huge sums of money were paid at auction by European collectors for the latest orchid sensation. By the turn of the 20th century, the lust for tropical orchids had spread to the East coast of the United States and keen collectors displayed their treasures in giant conservatories on both sides of the Atlantic.

American Orchid Society

The American Orchid Society was founded in 1921 to extend the knowledge, production, use, and appreciation of orchids. Many members are hobbyists who want to learn more about orchids, others enjoy the thrill of exhibiting at orchid shows as in Fort Lauderdale. Protecting orchids in the wild is an important mission of the society as well as advancing orchidology research. One of the advantages of membership of the AOS, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is the award-winning Orchids magazine which has been published since 1932. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami is now the home of the American Orchid Society and will be hosting a Centennial Celebration from April 6-9, 2022.