This is the time of year when many of us succumb to the dreariness of the winter landscape. Even if you build up your resistance with daily time under a sun lamp or a screensaver featuring tropical locales, it may not be enough. The Missouri Botanical Gardens (4344 Shaw Boulevard; 314-577-9400 or www.mobot.org) can help you shake off the monotony with its Orchid Portraits exhibit. The exhibit features 30 of the most beautiful and unusual orchid species ever captured by Charles Rowden, one of the top orchid photographers in the world. One glimpse at his Sansai Blue or Jupiter should provide enough color to get you through until spring. The exhibit runs Friday, January 9, through Sunday, March 29 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily), in the Ridgway Visitor Center and is included with regular garden admission.
Jan. 9-March 29, 2009