The upcoming Valentine’s Orchid Sale, set for Feb. 11-14, is a chance to learn more about these exotic flowers and their history at UNC Charlotte.
A variety of orchids will be available for purchase during this event, including moth orchids, dendrobiums, dancing lady orchids, lady slippers and even one that smells like chocolate.
“If you’ve ever visited the McMillan Greenhouse and been captivated by the surprising number and types of plants that are contained in these glass walls, you can thank orchids for this unique gem on campus. Specifically, thank the orchids of Charlotte residents Dorothy and Thomas McMillan, they donated a collection of more than 2,000 plants to the University in 1970, to be placed under the care of friend and biology professor, Herbert Hechenbleikner,” said Paula Gross, assistant director of the Botanical Gardens. “The collection has grown and changed over the years, with some exciting additions and events – a white moth orchid that was selected and named after UNC Charlotte founder Bonnie Cone, for example. This year marks a significant event, too. After 20 years of nurturing the orchids, curator John Denti is retiring at the end of February.”
This year’s Valentine’s Orchid Sale will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 11 and 13-14, and 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, at the McMillan Greenhouse. Botanical Gardens staff members will be on hand to answer questions and help individuals select orchids well-suited for their home.