CLEVELAND, Ohio — “Orchid Rodeo” opens at the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Saturday, Feb. 14. After weeks of freezing weather, the indoor orchid oasis is a welcome experience for most Northeast Ohioans.
This year’s show spotlights the American Southwest, a departure from previous themes. It’s playful, accessible and family friendly.
“It started as a joke,” said Ryan Sandy, who coordinates the show. “We were messing around last year, and someone said we were ‘wrangling’ the orchids. The idea stuck.”
As in previous years, the show includes more than 100 distinct types of orchids, and 3,000 flowers from exotic blooms to well-known varieties. They’re arranged throughout the building up high, down low and everywhere in between.
Spotting all the orchids and themed details like tumbleweeds and cacti takes a thoughtful observer.
Sandy and his crew have planned about a dozen selfie stations, just begging for social media posting. Vignettes include a saloon, outlaw camp, tornado, covered wagon, jail break and more.
These were inspired by old cartoons, movies and country songs.
“It was fun finding all the inspirations,” said Sandy.
Five sniffing stations show off orchids with strong aromas of rose, chocolate and clean laundry. (At least that’s what this reporter perceived).
Guests who read the various signs will learn about the importance of pollinators and that vanilla orchids are sometimes manually pollinated with toothpicks.
Folks who dress in cowboy boots and/or hats will receive a themed sticker, while supplies last.
The events playlist includes pop country, classic country and music from spaghetti westerns.
Orchid Rodeo runs through Sunday, April 5. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10 a.m.– 9 p.m., Saturdays and noon – 5 p.m., Sundays. The Botanical Garden will be closed on Mondays except Feb. 16, President’s Day. The Botanical Garden will close early on Saturday, February 14 at 5 p.m. for a ticketed event.
Orchid Rodeo admission is $21 per adult and $15 per child ages three to 12 years old. It is free for children two years old and under. Admission is free for Holden Forests & Gardens members.
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