This series of exciting presentations and demonstrations takes you on a journey around the world of orchids and shows you how to grow and care for them at home.

History and Mystery of Orchids
Saturdays and Sundays, 1 p.m. In the Ross Hall, except where noted
With more than 25,000 species growing on six continents, orchids fascinate and touch the lives of people in every country and culture. This series of presentations and demonstrations takes you on a journey around the world of orchids and shows you how to grow and care for them at home. Visit the jungles of Costa Rica, the vanilla farms of Mexico, and other places without the need of a passport.

March 3
The Vertical Garden: From Nature to the City with Designer Patrick Blanc, 1 p.m.
French botanist and guest designer of this year's Orchid Show, Patrick Blanc, talks about his travels and projects around the world and discusses the inspirations for his signature ''green walls.'' His characteristic color-rich, textural, living tapestries have been commissioned for cityscapes, interiors, museum exhibitions, and fashion shows worldwide. He will sign copies of his newly revised book, The Vertical Garden: From Nature to the City, as well as Gardening Vertically: 24 Ideas for Creating Your Own Green Walls.

March 4
Why Native Orchids Grow Where They Do: The Secret is Under Our Feet, 1 p.m.
The vast majority of plants require an association with mycorrhizal fungi to obtain nutrients and grow in natural environments. Orchids are no exception. However, while most mycorrhizal associations are beneficial to both partners, orchids generally parasitize their mycorrhizal fungi, actually digesting them to obtain nutrients. Learn how Melissa McCormick, researcher at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Maryland, has used DNA analysis to find where host fungi grow in the soil in abundance to support orchid growth and how environmental disruptions may affect this important life-sustaining relationship.

March 10
Flower Arranging with Orchids, 1 p.m.
Join floral designer Trish O'Sullivan as she demonstrates how to incorporate the beauty and elegance of fresh orchids in home and party design. Learn how to float orchids on leaves in glass, and to create the latest trends in orchid design.

March 11
History of the Orchid, 1 p.m.
Since the time of Confucius orchids have been revered for their beauty. Depicted in Chinese art and obsessed over in the Victorian-era, the legend and lore surrounding orchids is almost as diverse as the plants themselves. Join Marc Hachadourian, Curator of Glasshouse Collections, on a journey through the fascinating history of orchids that has made them one of the most popular plants in the world.

March 17
Featured Film: 'Vanilla: The Sacred Orchid,' 1 p.m.
Learn the intriguing life process--from flower to pantry--of the world's favorite flavor. This scenic film examines the full year-cycle of this spice from Veracruz, Mexico. The orchid is still cultivated by the same indigenous people who have been growing it for centuries. The film is directed by Curtis Craven and runs 27 minutes.

March 18
Modern Floral Design with Sustainable Orchids, 1 p.m.
Orchids in floral design evoke the powerful eco-philosophy that "less is more." Join Trish O'Sullivan, Coordinator of The New York Botanical Garden Floral Design Program, as she demonstrates simple, stylish, and modern orchid designs using sustainable floral practices.

March 24
Flower Arranging with Orchids, 1 p.m.
Join floral designer Trish O'Sullivan as she demonstrates how to incorporate the beauty and elegance of fresh orchids in home and party design. Learn how to float orchids on leaves in glass, and to create the latest trends in orchid design.

March 25
Featured Film: 'Vanilla: The Sacred Orchid,' 1 p.m.
Learn the intriguing life process--from flower to pantry--of the world's favorite flavor. This scenic film examines the full year-cycle of this spice from Veracruz, Mexico. The orchid is still cultivated by the same indigenous people who have been growing it for centuries. The film is directed by Curtis Craven and runs 27 minutes.

March 31
Orchids in Ecuador, 1 p.m.
Hear stories of adventure and travel in Ecuador and learn about 50 orchid taxa from its southern region. View photographs of the orchids and other Andean alpine wildflowers in their natural habitats through the lens of orchid enthusiast Leon Glicenstein.

April 1
Featured Presentation: A Costa Rican Odyssey, 1 p.m.
Take a photographic journey through orchid-rich Costa Rica. This Central American country is a naturalist's paradise and a must-see for orchid lovers. More than 1,500 species of orchids have been recorded in this country that is the size of West Virginia--by comparison, the entire United States has only approximately 200 species! Presenter Leon Glicenstein lived and worked in Costa Rica as a plant breeder for a major international company. As he explored the country's jungles and coasts, he collected photographs and stories of plants, animals, scenery, and especially the native orchids in their natural habitat.

April 7
Featured Film: Vanilla: The Sacred Orchid, 1 p.m.
Learn the intriguing life process--from flower to pantry--of the world's favorite flavor. This scenic film examines the full year-cycle of this spice from Veracruz, Mexico. The orchid is still cultivated by the same indigenous people who have been growing it for centuries. The film is directed by Curtis Craven and runs 27 minutes.

April 8 (Easter Sunday)
Featured Presentation: Taming Enticing Epiphytes from Exotic Locales, 1 p.m.
Many of the most popular orchids are epiphytes, plants that grow on other plants. Ellen Zachos, author and certified commercial horticulturist from the Botanical Garden, will discuss the intrepid explorers who first carried these tropical beauties out of the rain forests, and how to grow epiphytic orchids in your home. Many make excellent, low maintenance houseplants that simply require a little specialized care.

April 14
An Artist on the Orchid Trail, 1 p.m.
With tens of thousands of orchid species, there will never be a shortage of fascinating subjects for an artist, whether here in New York or in the tropics. Seeking out rare orchids and capturing them in paint cultivates relationships with institutions, scientists, conservationists, horticulturists, and galleries. Today's botanical artists build on a lengthy history but live in a modern world, with increased opportunities to connect with orchids long known or recently discovered. Award-winning botanical artist Carol Woodin guides you along the trail of painting orchids, uncovering the backstories of each plant and exploring the vagaries of orchids, robust or delicate, from an artist's viewpoint.

April 15
Featured Film: 'Vanilla: The Sacred Orchid,' 1 p.m.
In the Conservatory GreenSchool
Learn the intriguing life process--from flower to pantry--of the world's favorite flavor. This scenic film examines the full year-cycle of this spice from Veracruz, Mexico. The orchid is still cultivated by the same indigenous people who have been growing it for centuries. The film is directed by Curtis Craven and runs 27 minutes.

April 21 & 22
Vanilla Orchids: Natural History & Cultivation, 1 p.m.
Vanilla--the world's most popular flavor and fragrance--is processed from the fruit of a climbing tropical orchid. The history of this revered and expensive spice, with its rare, complex flavor and perfume, spans centuries of time, continents, cultures, and cuisines. One of the world's leading authorities on vanilla, Dr. Ken Cameron, will present a fascinating overview of the natural history, diversity, pollination, harvesting of these orchids and the curing of their ''beans.'' The pre-Columbian origin of vanilla domestication in Mexico will be discussed along with a historical account of this plant's journey to Europe, Madagascar, Tahiti, the United States, and beyond. Enjoy an opportunity to smell and taste several different vanilla varieties.

Despite its exotic nature and the fact that the vines are shy to flower, the Vanilla orchid is easily propagated from cuttings and can be grown at home for its large, glossy leaves, and beautiful climbing stems. Learn how to cultivate this plant on your own and how to make your own vanilla extract.

Following the lecture, Dr. Cameron will be available to sign copies of his new book, Vanilla Orchids: Natural History & Cultivation. Whether you are an advanced orchid grower, an amateur gardener, a chef, or a foodie, you are certain to take away an unexpected appreciation of vanilla.