Boston Flora

Tag: Barb Schmidt

  • Through April 28 – The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration

    Organized by Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden, “The Future of Orchids: Conservation and Collaboration” fills the entire Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery with nearly 350 live orchids through April 28. The exhibition explores the numerous challenges facing wild orchids today, including climate change, habitat destruction, and over-collecting, and offers a glimpse into the work being performed by a diverse group of scientists to and conservationists to protect the future of orchids. 

    If orchids are part of your own future (or present), Barb Schmidt, a noted orchid care expert, leads three Smithsonian Associates studio arts programs you won’t want to miss. On Tuesday March 5, she offers a virtual tour and history of the native orchid collection at Longwood Gardens. If you’re a from-the-ground-up novice, Schmidt’s Tuesday, March 12 class is ideal for beginners who want to keep their orchids blooming at home. And on Saturday, March 16, learn to free your orchid from the confines of its pot and mount it on a piece of wood.

    Learn more HERE.

    Photo by Hannele Lehti

  • Thursday, June 23, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm – Longwood Gardens: A Close-up Look, Online

    Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is best known for its stunningly beautiful flower displays, 1,000 acres perfect for wandering, and fountain shows. However, Longwood is much more than just a pretty place to visit: It’s a center for horticultural science.

    Orchid expert Barb Schmidt leads a virtual tour of the Longwood Gardens grounds and the newly reopened Orchid House. In addition, she offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at Longwood’s Research and Conservation Division of Horticulture. Schmidt offers an overview of the work being done by the division’s staff, including orchid conservation, plant exploration, management of important Longwood display collections, research in tissue culture, and various aspects of plant breeding.

    This Smithsonian Associates online program will take place June 23 at noon, and is $25 for Smithsonian Associates members, $30 for nonmembers. Register at https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/longwood-gardens

    Davis Harold Hank/Longwood Gardens

  • Wednesday, June 15, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Hardy Orchids 101, Online

    Orchids are perennial herbs that are native to every continent, except Antarctica. Hardy orchids are commonly those able to survive outdoors in winter. Learn how you can incorporate hardy orchids into your orchid collection and how to successfully grow them in your backyard. The June 15 Smithsonian Associates workshop features a demonstration on how to plant a Cypripedium orchid. The instructor is Barb Schmidt, and the class will be recorded. $30 for Smithsonian Associates members, $40 for nonmembers. Register, and access materials list, at www.smithsonianassociates.org.

    Pleione Tongariro

  • Sunday, September 12, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Growing Show Orchids, Online

    Your orchids are thriving and blooming. If you’re wondering what’s next in your orchid adventure, this Smithsonian Associates more advanced orchid class is for you. Learn about the conditions necessary to raise vigorous, healthy orchids for shows and competitions. The instructor shares information about conditions for good orchid health, timing orchid blooms, competition requirements, and how to transport and prepare your competition-ready orchids.

    This class will be recorded. Please see our FAQ for recording terms and conditions. The class will take place September 12 from 2 – 4, and is $30 for Smithsonian members, $40 for nonmembers. Register at www.smithsonianassociates.org

    Other Information

    • The instructor is Barb Schmidt.
    • 1 session, 2 hours
    • This arts program is a Zoom Meeting to allow for patron and instructor interaction.