With the arrival of the spring equinox, nature signals the turning of the seasons. While cooler temperatures still linger, warmer weather is just around the corner. Higher rainfall and humidity mark the change, paving the way for orchids to thrive. Although damp conditions can be dreary at times, this climate actually suits one of Hong Kong's most treasured plants – the orchid – perfectly.
To celebrate, starting from 25th April, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden is hosting a series of engaging activities centred around orchids to help the public experience and appreciate these iconic blooms. This allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of orchids while also increasing awareness of this endangered species.
Orchid Appreciation Hotspots
KFBG offers two major orchid hotspots in our garden, namely the Gloria Barretto Orchid Sanctuary in the uphill area and the Orchid Greenhouse in the downhill area.
The Gloria Barretto Orchid Sanctuary was established as long ago as the 1970s and showcases a variety of orchids, including local species and orchids from the India-Myanmar region. Visitors can admire the orchids blooming in the wild within the garden. On the other hand, the Orchid Greenhouse in the downhill area represents the diversity of tropical orchids. The greenhouse also provides insights into their ecology and the reasons behind the extinction threats faced by various species, raising conservation awareness among visitors.
Orchid Trivia
Many people enjoy buying orchids to decorate their homes. However, some orchids available in the market are illegally harvested from the wild: this affects biodiversity and threatens the population of wild orchids. To learn how to differentiate between wild and propagated orchids, refer to the KFBG’s video: https://bit.ly/3V0pWim
Orchid Encounters
Orchid Encounters includes a guided tour and orchid planting workshop. Follow our orchid experts and visit the Orchid Greenhouse for an in-depth understanding of these plants. Get to know the fascinating stories behind this enchanting species and learn about the intriguing interactive relationships among living organisms. The orchid-repotting workshop teaches you the correct way to care for your Chinese New Year orchids, and you can also take a plant home.
Event details
Date: 25 April 2024
Time: Guided Tour 11:00 - 11:45; Workshop 14:30 - 15:30
Enrolment fee: HK$450/head, including shuttle bus to upper farm and orchid
Enrol now: https://www.kfbg.org/en/events/nature-exploration-orchid-encounter
Orchid Pop-up store
To further promote orchids, KFBG will set up an orchid pop-up cart at the plaza, allowing visitors to take home orchid seedlings cultivated by our experts.