The Orchid Trail

Amazing variety of beautiful and rare orchids. It’s a pleasure to just tour their collection. John, the owner, is super knowledgable and kind. If you aren’t yet an orchid lover, you will be!

My go-​to place for inner peace and an orchid fix. Spectacular collections greenhouse (#7) that you can tour with permission, and wonderful staff (Paul) who patiently answers the most dunderheaded questions (mine!) about growing and choosing orchids. Really not to be missed!

I’ve admired them in flower shops, been in love with them when received or given as a gift, and often wished I knew why some were so pricey. Now I know.
The Orchid Trail is a delight from start to finish. Within seconds of getting out of the car, I was greeted by one of the owners, told to take my time looking around, and to take all the pictures I wanted. I couldn’t help but smile as I walked around surrounded by so many beautiful flowers. There’s something zen-​like about orchids.
From the sheer volume of orchids in every stage of growth, and the gorgeous colors and styles, to the illusion of intimidating owners (who are anything but that, by the way), the Orchid Trail is simply amazing. I had no idea orchids could be grown in pots hanging sideways. Fortunately for me, the Owner was nice enough to refrain from laughing at my ignorance.
There’s seven large greenhouses, one the sales office with an array of all the types of orchids available; and five others, not open to the public, housing private collections (really? private collections?) and the last containing the owners’ personal collection.
I think I understand now that growing orchids is probably not something to which I’d be able to commit. While walking through the last building, with its humid interior, surrounded by orchids and orchid plants, I quickly figured out why people have private collections. Despite assurances they aren’t a lot of work, I’m not so convinced. Someday I’ll give it a shot and the Orchid Trail will be my go-​to place.
For now, I’ll stick to appreciating them as gifts but with a better understanding of what went into getting that beautiful flower to me.