Thousands of bright yellow, mauve, orange, white and scarlet orchids array the various spaces of the Cleveland Botanical Garden in its annual “Orchid Mania” show, which continues until March 25. They’re banked in wild abundance near the entrance, seem to defy gravity itself as they hang from transparent fishing line in front of tall windows in Clark Hall and are arranged in artful arches along a wide hallway connecting the two spaces. But they’re most alluring of all draped on a bridge within the Costa Rica glass house, where those who come to admire them can also enjoy their scent. “This Side of Paradise” is the appropriate subtitle of this year’s show, designed in an art deco theme and framed around the 1920s, when orchids were beloved by stage, screen and the rich and famous. http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/cs_api/get_swf/3/&pl_id=21436&wpid=10005&page_count=12&windows=1&va_id=3290785&show_title=0&version=1&auto_start=0&auto_next=1 Orchid trivia of that time is scattered among the orchid names on signs labelling different varieties. Orchids flavored bathtub gin of the 1920s, we learn, as we discover that “orchid” was Jazz Age slang for a very expensive item. “If an orchid could sizzle, it would be like Josephine Baker,” said one reviewer and Greta Garbo wore cattlyea orchids when she starred in a 1929 film entitled “Wild Orchid.” These tidbits of orchid lore are inscribed on placards tucked amid the blooms, which also identify their types. The 1920s were a time when America’s preoccupation with luxury and sensuality matched its limitless spirit of optimism and individual expression. Placement of the scented orchids at nose level in the glass house is a brilliant move on the part of exhibit designer Tres Fromme, who is nationally celebrated for the shows he designed for Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Although the more frequently seen Phalaenopsis and Cattleya varieties are those most likely to be grown by Northeast Ohioans, fascination for the more exotic orchids is unmistakable. They’re housed in the tropical setting of the glass house. Orchid aromas, which include lemon, spice and chocolate, are a welcome treat in winter, when senses are deprived of much of the color and scent in nature. The Oncidium, which bestows its rich chocolate scent to anyone within a foot or two, is much less showy than many other orchids. A. Borlin Orchids in Concord Township provided many of the orchids for this year’s “Orchid Mania,” much as it has done in the past. Orchid specialists for more than 60 years, the family-run company gets many of its orchids from Hawaii, said Carol Borlin, wife of second-generation owner Lou Borlin. The Cattleya is her favorite orchid because of its scent, she said. “It requires more light than the Phalaenopsis,” she said. “But it is relatively easy to grow them indoors in this part of the world.” Orchids are the most numerous flowering plant on earth, with more than 300,000 registered cultivars. They grow on every continent but Antarctica and, if properly cared for, can live longer than a human being. Borlin said there are spring-blooming and autumn-blooming varieties, but the retail florist arm of A. Borlin has orchids blooming at almost all times of year. Its retail outlet is at 9942 Johnnycake Ridge Road in Concord Township. Once considered to be the height of luxury, orchids can still be pricey but the proliferation of the Phalaenopsis, for instance, means that it can be found at supermarkets fro $10 to $15. Since orchids don’t typically bloom until they are 5 or 6 years old, most people wishing to grow them prefer to start with an orchid that’s already in bloom. An orchid will bloom for several weeks, and if more than one branch has flowers on it, the blooms may be extended for an even longer time. “We’ll also be part of Orchid Vendor Weekend at the Cleveland Botanical Garden,” Borlin said. The March 3 and March 4 weekend will showcase several orchid vendors, who will bring orchids to sell. Show goers also eagerly await the end-of-show orchid sale on March. 25. “Orchid Mania” Through March 25 Cleveland Botanical Garden 11030 East Blvd. Cleveland”s University Circle neighborhood 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $9.50 adults; $3 children 3 to 12 216- 721-1600 PROGRAMS * Drawing and Painting Orchids (Tuesdays, through March 27) * Orchid Macro Photography Weekend Workshop (Feb. 25 and 26) * Ask the Orchid Doctor (Feb. 25, March 3 and 24) * Handpainting on Silk Workshop (March 3) * Orchid Vendor Weekend (March 3 and 4) * Orchid Mania Children’s Crafts (March 10 and 17) * End-of-Show Orchid Sale (March 25)
