Orchidding Me!

At Chez Day, delicate orchids last one, maybe two weeks — three is certainly unheard of — but at the Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Boulevard; 314-577-9400 or www.mobot.org), some of these finicky flowers have been around since the early nineteenth century! Seriously! And these aged plants are looking as good as ever! To join Ms. Day in oohhing and aahhing over more than 800 vibrant orchids, you should head to the garden for the annual "Henry's Garden" Orchid Show, which is named for the green space's founder. Not only will Day admire the beautiful blooms in all of their splendor, but she just might be tempted to try and turn her brown thumb green — books and plants will be for sale in the garden's gift shop if you are similarly inspired. Entrance to the exhibition costs $3 per person in addition to regular garden admission ($4 to $8), and the flowers are on view from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 31, to Sunday, March 15.
Jan. 31-March 15, 2009