PHOTOS: Orchid exhibition takes center stage at Queens Botanical Garden

Taiwan is called “the Kingdom of Orchids.” Eagle photos by Victoria Merlino.

By Victoria Merlino

The Queens Botanical Garden will host the sixth annual “Taiwan: A World of Orchids” exhibit this weekend, taking visitors on a journey through one of the country’s most beautiful exports.

Taiwan is one of the most important orchid habitats in the world, said Lily Hsu, Taiwanese ambassador and director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. Taiwan’s orchids make up 80 percent of the United States’ orchid imports. 

The exhibit features over 400 pots of orchids.

“We even call ourselves the Kingdom of Orchids,” Hsu said. 

Some orchids varieties are notoriously hard to grow, and generally require special light, temperature and other growing conditions, making the exhibit a draw for those who want to enjoy the flowers’ beauty, but who may not have a green thumb. 

Lily Hsu, Taiwanese ambassador and director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, speaks.

The exhibit features over 400 pots of orchids, and will include orchid craft; an “orchid doctor,” who will help explain the flowers’ care; and a watercolor workshop. Around the event space, the flowers are paired with themed art from local artists. 

On Sunday after the exhibit ends, visitors will be able to purchase orchids to take home. 

Orchids will be available for purchase on the last day of the exhibit.

The exhibition will take place from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is included in a regular QBG ticket.