Orchid Daze 2019

Get out of the cold and get into the tropical warmth, vibrant colors and delightful fragrances that are this year's Orchid Daze at the Atlanta Botanical Garden! Your experience begins in the Conservatory Lobby...

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Orchid Daze is one of my favorite wintertime getaways and it can be yours too through 
Sunday, April 7. (If you're a local, keep an eye out for the "Gently Used Orchid Sale" following the close of the exhibition.)

The exhibition begins in the Conservatory Lobby and continues throughout most of the connected Orchid Center. There's not a specific theme, per se, but the exhibition is cohesive and spectacular. The colors, the featured art, and the display techniques are all dazzling. I truly believe you'll just love it!

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Throughout the Orchid Daze exhibition are brilliant, large-format orchid photographs! They're spectacular! The photo above is one of them, me peeking at it through live orchids on the right and upper right.

The artist of these magnificent photographs is local, award-winning photographer Parish Kohanim. I've just read a long article about his life and it's fascinating. More than that, his devotion to his craft is heartwarming and inspiring. 

See more of Parish's work at Parish Kohanim Fine Art.

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

My favorite feature of this year's Orchid Daze exhibition are the six pendulous displays of bamboo canes featuring a wide range of orchids in varying colors, many of them the large-flowered orchids! Those displays are in the Orchid Center.

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Tomorrow is the Garden's annual Vanilla Sunday, 1pm-4pm. There will be activities for kids and adults, discovery stations, cooking demonstrations and more! 

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

There's another spectacular Parish Kohanim photograph behind these gorgeous orchids!

I've mentioned is many times before, but maybe you missed it or your a new wanderlust ATLANTA follower. If you're a avid orchid enthusiast, not only do you have to see this exhibition, you'll also want to follow The Orchid Column, a blog about orchids written and beautifully photographed by the Atlanta Botanical Garden's Orchid Center Manager Becky Brinkman.

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Also, for every level of orchid enthusiast, the annual Atlanta Orchid Society Show & Sale will take place Friday-Sunday, March 8-10, 9am-5pm. I've attended many times over the years and it's always splendid! You'll be glad you went. 

Think about making it a day at the Garden. See the Orchid show in Day Hall, see Orchid Daze, see Atlanta Blooms!, make lots of photos to enjoy later, and then take in lunch or dinner at Longleaf! 

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Be sure to stop by the Garden House Gallery to see "Conservation through Creation: The Works of Ed, Philip and Matt Moulthrop", three generations of woodturners! Some of the approximately 40 pieces on display are made from downed trees from the Atlanta Botanical Garden! 

To give you an idea of the level of craftsmanship and artistry you'll see in this exhibition, they have works on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Craft Museum of New York, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and Atlanta's High Museum of Art. The pieces on display are also available for purchase.

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Speaking of the High Museum of Art, if you missed Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirrors" exhibition, through spring of 2019 you can see her installation "Narcissus Garden" in Storza Woods. The site-specific exhibition is comprised of approximately 1,400 stainless steel spheres arranged by staff from Kusama's studio in Japan. This work dates to 1966!

Orchid Daze 2019 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Photo: Travis Swann Taylor

Remember to see Orchid Daze at the Atlanta Botanical Garden by Sunday, April 7, and definitely remember your camera, phone camera, sketch pad, and/or eidetic memory...you'll want remember these beauties well into spring, summer and fall.

A Look Back at Summer in the Garden

I want to share with you a few of my favorite images of the Atlanta Botanical Garden from a couple of daytime visits this past summer. Keep in mind that some of these were made inside the Orchid Center, so you can enjoy the same beauty during winter.

Earth Goddess being hand watered | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I love, love, love this photo of Earth Goddess! How awesome to capture her hand being hand-watered.

My friend Wendy was visiting from Washington, DC, and we were just starting our walk across the Canopy Walk when we saw this...and I started snapping. This was Wendy's first visit to the Garden and Earth Goddess impresses...it's usually a first-stop when I'm touring friends around Atlanta Botanical Garden their first time. 

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Keep your eyes open...there is so much incredible beauty to see, smell, hear...to experience! Mind what you touch and taste, of course. 

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

There were a LOT of butterflies, of various species, at the Garden on this particular visit. I got some pretty good shots of a couple of them. Even at my age, chasing butterflies is great fun.

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've always loved the lily pads at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and they've had them for many, many years...now throughout the Garden! There have been lilies in the fountain in front of the Fuqua Conservatory since it opened in 1989...when I remember a certain three-piece "Nessie" topiary that ran the length of that water feature.

I love the above photo not only for the gorgeous flower, but also for the goldfish just poking its head out just from under the lily pad. 

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I've also always loved the pattern of dragonflies, although I tried as a kid to avoid them when swimming in lakes and rivers. They've been immortalized in many forms of art and their symbolism spans more topics than I can possibly share here, but the one that I think I like the most is "change"...something I've embraced as a desirable ability for many years.

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

These carnivorous beauties can be found in the High Elevation House in the Fuqua Orchid Center...lots of them!

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Nepenthes Pitcher Plant...stunning! Did you know that the Dale Chihuly sculpture in the Hardin Visitor Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden was fashioned after this plant? 

If not, the next time you visit, have a look at the top of the sculpture and you'll see three pieces that have maroon colored lips. You'll immediately recognize them as Nepenthes Pitcher Plants!

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

If you love honey as much as I do, you naturally love bees. My mother is terribly allergic to bee stings, but I've thus far avoided that devastating sentence. They're fascinating creatures and give us so much more than many realize.

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Growing up my favorite color was orange. It's now dark red, but I still love a vibrant orange, except maybe for the invasive construction cone! It's much too prevalent in traffic these days. But, orange flowers...give me all you got!

A Day in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

I'm not exactly sure how large this particular variety of lily pad can grow, but I seem to recall hearing on a garden tour many years ago that it can grow approximately six feet wide! These particular ones were several feet wide when I made this photo...stunning no matter their diameter! 

I hope these few photos inspire you to break out your camera and visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden, during every season! Throughout its 30 acres, there is delightful beauty and magnificent splendor to discover. Treat yourself!

Wabi Sabi Brings Dance to the People

Trip the Light Fantastic was beyond brilliant! 

Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi recently returned to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the fifth summer of performances, and even though a brief rainstorm preceded the performances, the dancers garnered an enthusiastic following—literally.

Atlanta Ballet - Wabi Sabi, IDYLL | Atlanta Botanical Garden

The evening's program was comprised of four numbers throughout the 30-acre Garden, each near or within one of the six Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden installations, and hundreds followed them throughout the evening eager for a chance to see our world-class dancers up close and personal.

Atlanta Ballet - Wabi Sabi, IDYLL | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Choreographed by Atlanta Ballet danceur Heath Gill, the first performance, titled IDYLL, was performed by Sara Havener, Jackie Nash and Jared Tan.

The performance was delightfully playful and beckoned childhood memories of playing outside. It was lighthearted, yet profound and graceful. It spoke to the seriousness of being an imaginative child as much as it did the merriment of being oblivious to the inevitable responsibilities of adulthood. Simply put, it was fun.

Heath Gill, Atlanta Ballet | Wabi Sabi | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Heath Gill, Atlanta Ballet danceur and choreographer—IDYLL was his second performance as choreographer for Atlanta Ballet—is a personal favorite. Because he's incredibly talented, but also from a sense of nostalgia. 

You see, he was among the performers the first time I saw Atlanta Ballet, which was a Wabi Sabi program performed at Atlanta Botanical Garden. This particular event was something of a homecoming for me. I'm grateful Heath was gracious to grant me a photo op on the very ground where his dance was performed.

And it was quite rewarding—as a fan of Heath and Atlanta Ballet—to see so many approach him after the IDYLL performance and personally congratulate him, not only for his brilliant choreographic work on this particular performance, but also for his staring role in the recent world premiere of Camino Real. 

Whoever added Heath to Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" had brilliant insight.

Three Degrees, Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

Speaking of dancing, did you know that Bruce Munro's Three Degrees was inspired by Diana Ross of The Supremes? Look at them again...you see the sequin-clad dancers now, don't you? I think this is my favorite of the six installations of Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden and it was created for this exhibition, so you're among the first to ever see this work.

There's also Supremes-era music playing in the Orchid Center where this exhibit is located. Once visitors make the Diana Ross connection, the music makes total sense...it's awesome to watch the wave of connection wipe across people's faces.

This exhibit, like the others, is beautiful in daylight, but you get the full effect when the sun goes down. The upper lights—fiber optics—look like strings...until post-sunset when you can see their true brilliance.

Bruce Munro: Light in the Garden | Atlanta Botanical Garden

The third number, Ganesha, was choreographed and performed by Meaghan Muller, former Cirque du Soleil aerial artist, in the Rose Garden, and she was magnificent!

The above photo show Garden patrons gathering for her performance, but immediately before that...

Atlanta Ballet, Wabi Sabi, between | Atlanta Botanical Garden

...in the new Gardens in Storza Woods, which opened just last month, was the second performance of the evening that included four vignettes. The dancers in this number included Alexandre Barros, Lydia Redpath, and John Welker, the two decade veteran of Atlanta Ballet and founder of Wabi Sabi, which was launched in 2011.

Not named on the program (but obviously planned) for this particular number was Meaghan Muller, but I had the serendipitous vantage of having selected the observation point where she performed throughout the majority of the number.

Atlanta Ballet, Wabi Sabi, between | Atlanta Botanical Garden

This number, titled "between", was from my point of view a remarkable love story. Meaghan's character observed, first nearby and later from afar, sometimes actively, sometimes longingly, and eventually, one of the three in the faraway clique noticed her and fell in love...seemingly, love at first sight.

They met mid-pond, mid-reflecting pool, and strolled arms intertwined toward the Canopy Walk into the setting sun.

The fourth and final number of the evening was "the swimmer", a coincidentally apt name given the performance was moved from the Great Lawn into Day Hall due to the earlier rain. Choreographed by Tara Lee, the performers were Alexandre Barros, Kiara Felder, Sara Havener, Lydia Redpath, Jared Tan, John Welker and Olivia Yoch.

Earth Goddess | Atlanta Botanical Garden

If you've never been to Atlanta Botanical Garden and you come for this summer's Light in the Garden exhibition, be sure you find Earth Goddess...all 25 fee of her! 

I love that Earth Goddess is a permanent exhibit, following the two-year Imaginary Worlds exhibition. And I love hearing other visitors saying the same or gasping at her beauty when they see her for the first time. She's a true treasure for the Garden and I'm certain she's a fan of Wabi Sabi.

There are several more opportunities to see Wabi Sabi this summer, and at some fantastic venues! Here are some of the announced performances:

"WHIM" at Sautee Nacoochee
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

"WHIM" at the High Museum of Art
Friday, August 21, 2015
Performance begins 7:00 p.m.

"WHIM" at Serenbe
Sunday, August 23, 2015
performance begins at 5:00 p.m.

Atlanta Ballet Block Party
Atlanta Ballet's Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Party 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Some events require tickets. Be sure to double-check Atlanta Ballet's website for Wabi Sabi performance updates.

What is Wabi Sabi and why should you see it this summer? Atlanta Ballet says it best:

"Wabi Sabi takes its name from a Japanese worldview that finds beauty in the sincerity, simplicity, and integrity of the natural world. As one of the newest dance initiatives in Atlanta, Wabi Sabi combines our city's own emerging choreographers with beautiful and engaging venues for amazing outdoor performances that bring art to the people."

I'll see you around Atlanta for some amazing dance...and be sure to check out Atlanta Ballet's exciting 2015-2016 season! 

Orchid Daze 2013 is Coming!

The theme for the Atlanta Botanical Garden's 2013 "Orchid Daze" event has been announced..."Surreal Beauty." The exhibition opens Saturday, February 9 and runs through Sunday, April 14.

Orchid Daze, Atlanta Botanical Garden

From the Atlanta Botanical Garden website:

"Surreal Beauty delights with surprising juxtapositions of fanciful flowers and playful objects inspired by surrealist imagination. Experience a funhouse gallery frolicking with the fantastic forms of "Dancing ladies", Persian Violets, slipper orchids and more!"

The years I've attended Orchid Daze, I've been blown away...it's stunning EVERY year! 

To give you an idea of just how intensely impressive Orchid Daze is, first of all, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has one of the largest collections of orchids in the United States, with approximately 2,000 species in their collection. There are approximately 25,000 species—the most of any flowering plant on the planet. Now, realize that the 25,000 doesn't include all the hybrids.

The Garden also conducts orchid research and conservation...there's a LOT going on at this Garden!

Back to Orchid Daze... With that many orchids already in the collection—many on display—last year for Orchid Daze, they bought in an additional 917 orchid plants, which of course translated into thousands of orchid blossoms!

There will be a number of Orchid Specialists on-hand during the exhibition and there's always the drop-in tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, if you'd like a more insightful look at the Garden to couple with your Orchid Daze experience.

And don't forget the end-of-exhibition sale. That's right! After the exhibition, they'll hold a plant sale so that the plants that were brought in can find a loving home in which to thrive for years to come. 

Keep an eye on the website for when that sale will take place...it's usually for a couple of days, but weekdays during business hours...so, you'll want to plan.

Please enjoy the above pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo—a picture that I took during last year's Orchid Daze event. Then head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for lots more!

Father Christmas and the Giant Poinsettia Tree

The Poinsettia Tree in the Orchid Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden has become probably the most favored holiday season photo-making spot in the Garden.

Poinsettia Tree, Atlanta Botanical Garden

It also happens to be where Saint Nick, or Father Christmas, visits with excited children, parents, families, and other Garden visitors. 

Father Christmas

His first 2012 visit was yesterday (as a Garden volunteer, I had the honor of helping make photos) and he's there again today and tomorrow (November 23-25, 2012) and he'll be back on Saturdays through December 15. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As of this writing, he's busy with other holiday business during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights hours.

Photos and "what-you-want-for-Christmas" chats with Father Christmas are complimentary (with Garden admission and of course totally free for Garden members), just remember to bring your own camera. And I recommend bringing the good camera...this Father Christmas is fantastic! 

There are even visitors who bring friends who are well-versed in the art of photography to make family photos with this Father Christmas. I even heard quite a few visitors say, "Christmas Card!" after a few clicks.

There's a lot more going on at the Garden this season...too much to list here, but allow me to mention a few:

• Visits with Saint Nick/Father Christmas
• Ride-on Train
• Santa's Missing Mail
• Frelf/Frelves (NEW, photo ops with "Frog Elves"!)
• Holiday Model Train Show (new location)
• Reindog Parade (December 8)
• Garden Lights, Holiday Nights (every night through January 5)
• and more!

If you're a regular wanderlust ATLANTA reader, you know that the Atlanta Botanical Garden is my favorite place in the City, so I highly recommend a visit (or two or three) during the season and consider a membership, too (just look at the programming to see why!).

As a wanderlusting Atlanta tourist, I'd be remiss if I didn't encourage you to get out and explore all the wonderful attractions Atlanta has to offer during the holiday season. There are LOTS! Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where I've noted some.

Happy Holiday Season, Everyone!