Flamingo Gardens, in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and with support from the Community Foundation of Broward, officially opened the new Everglades Outdoor Classroom with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday morning, May 28. This interactive learning space brings the beauty of South Florida’s native ecosystems to life, offering guests of all ages a hands-on, immersive experience rooted in the biodiversity of the Everglades.
Left to right: Shannon Gallagher with Thunder the Bald Eagle; Tom Reinert, South Reginal Director of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Dr. Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Broward; Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens; Town of Davie Mayor, Judy Paul; Jan Amador, President of Flamingo Gardens; and Joe Cox, CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS).
Set within the lush landscape of Flamingo Gardens, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom invites visitors to explore native species, uncover the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, and deepen their understanding of how the Florida Wildlife Corridor connects people, plants, and animals across the region.
As part of a countywide initiative, this outdoor classroom complements the Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit that opened last month at MODS in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Together, the two campuses present a dual perspective on Broward County’s native environments—MODS focusing on urban wildlife and habitats, while Flamingo Gardens immerses guests in the natural splendor of the Everglades. Together, they tell a unified story of the incredible biodiversity of Florida Wildlife Corridor and the urgent need for conservation. Both campuses share a united goal to inspire a lifelong love of nature and foster the next generation of environmental stewards.
“We’re opening more than a new exhibit. We’re opening minds, sparking curiosity, and planting seeds of environmental stewardship that will grow for generations to come,” said Keith Clark, CEO of Flamingo Gardens. “This outdoor classroom is a living, breathing space designed for hands-on discovery.”
What You’ll Discover
Interactive learning zones focused on native Everglades habitats and species
Sensory and nature play areas that encourage creativity and exploration
Educational signage and self-guided activities to inspire curiosity
Inclusive access features, expanding learning opportunities for children and adults with visual, hearing, or mobility challenges
Volunteer-led programs that empower community members to champion sustainability
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is also the first phase of Flamingo Gardens’ Everglades Discovery Trail—a series of future outdoor learning environments designed to deepen environmental literacy and conservation action.
A Community Effort
This dynamic new space would not be possible without the collaboration and generous support of our partners and funders. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward:
Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
Mary and Alex MacKenzie Community Impact Fund
The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund
Additional support has been provided by: • The State of Florida • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • BBX Capital Foundation • Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund • Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation • Helen Ingham Foundation • JM Family Enterprises • Lakeside Foundation • And numerous private donors who believe in the power of education and conservation
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is a testament to the strength of collaboration and vision-driven philanthropy—and it marks just the beginning of what’s to come.
Explore. Learn. Connect. The Everglades are waiting.
The Everglades Outdoor Classroom is included with general admission to Flamingo Gardens.
April 26, 2025 marked an exciting milestone for Flamingo Gardens as the Flamingo Gardens Eco-teers took part in our very first BioBlitz event, hosted in collaboration with our outstanding Horticulture team. Organized by Botanical Curator Amy Reilly, the evening brought together a vibrant community of 89 participants, including entomologists, Master Gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and dedicated volunteers.
From 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM, the gardens came alive with activity as attendees worked hands-on to identify and document the incredible biodiversity found throughout Flamingo Gardens. Observation stations were set up to attract insects, which participants then recorded and identified using the iNaturalist app under the project name Flamingo Gardens BioBlitz 2025.
By the following morning, the team had logged an impressive 193 insect observations, representing approximately 60 different species! Each entry contributed valuable data to our growing understanding of the ecosystems thriving within the gardens and reinforced the importance of community science in environmental stewardship.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the magical release of Luna moths. Several moths were released onsite, adding an enchanting element to the nighttime gardens, while others were sent home with attendees to emerge and later be released in new locations, helping to support moth populations across the region.
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this inaugural BioBlitz: the Master Gardeners, the Flamingo Gardens Horticulture team, the Eco-teers, and all the volunteers and guests who brought their passion and curiosity to the event.
UF Master Gardener Volunteers – Class of 2025: Lorna Bravo Stephen Deegan
USDA Entomologists: James Munroe Julia Schwierking Jose Gerena
Broward College: David Serrano, PhD Professor & Environmental Science BS Program Manager Director, Broward College Insect Collection (BROW:BCIC) Director, Broward College Botanical Collection (BROW:BCIC)
University of Florida: Adam Pitcher UF Entomologist
We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated Flamingo Gardens staff and volunteers: Chris Maler, Senior Director of Horticulture Amy Rielly, Botanical Curator Anita Sobaram, Education Manager Ashley Vieria, Eco-teer Coordinator Flamingo Gardens Eco-teer Volunteers Flamingo Gardens Horticulture Volunteers
Your support and enthusiasm for environmental education inspire us to continue offering engaging, community-driven experiences that connect people with nature in meaningful ways.
We look forward to hosting more BioBlitz events and other exciting programs soon. Stay tuned—and get ready to explore, learn, and make a difference!
To get involved and help create positive change in your community contact Ashley Vieira at [email protected] or call (954) 473-2955 x134.
As winter came to a close, Eco-Teers stayed busy with impactful projects, community engagement, and climate education. Here’s a look back at all we accomplished during February and March.
Pollinator Gardens & Rain Barrels
On February 6th, thirty butterflies were released into the newly renovated pollinator garden at Memorial Hospital’s pavilion garden, marking the beginning of a thriving ecosystem designed to support local pollinators and beautify the space.
Eco-Teers followed this success with another garden renovation at Memorial West on February 22nd. Alongside the renovation, a Rain Barrel was installed to promote sustainable water use, and an additional 20 native plants were added, bringing the total to around 50. These efforts enhance habitats for pollinators and contribute to local biodiversity.
Climate Education & Awareness
On February 25th, Eco-Teers attended a virtual Climate Seminar led by Dr. Michael Falkowski, Program Manager of The NASA Wildland Fire Program. His discussion focused on the influence of climate change and human activity on global fire regimes, highlighting how land-use changes, fossil fuel consumption, and ignition sources are driving catastrophic wildfires. Inspired by this seminar, Eco-Teers are more committed than ever to projects that protect and restore our environment.
Community Cleanups & Water Conservation
We kicked off March with the International Waterway Cleanup Project at Anne Kolb Nature Center/Hollywood North Beach on March 1st. As Broward County’s largest and longest-running cleanup initiative, Eco-Teers proudly removed approximately 220 pounds of waste—four full 60-gallon garbage bags—from local waterways, helping to preserve our precious ecosystems.
On March 8th, Eco-Teers participated in the City of Sunrise’s Water Matters Day, where we connected with community members and other organizations to share our efforts in conserving water. We also promoted our ongoing Rain Barrel installations—if your organization or business is interested, reach out to us at [email protected].
We wrapped up the month with Earth Hour on March 22nd. Eco-Teers spread awareness about this global movement, where landmarks worldwide go dark for one hour to emphasize the importance of reducing energy consumption. Originally started in Australia, Earth Hour serves as a powerful symbol of collective action against climate change.
Thank You to Our Volunteers and Supporters!
Eco-Teers would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers and donors who make these projects possible. Your support allows us to continue our mission of depicting, preserving, and providing education about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades.
If you’d like to join us, email our Eco-Teer Coordinator, Ashley Vieira, at [email protected] or call us at 954-473-2955 ext. 134. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on our environment—one project at a time.
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro adjusting to South Florida’s unique tropical climate, we would like to hear your thoughts of us potentially offering a Gardening Club of Flamingo Gardens! This club would provide a wonderful space for members to connect, learn, and share tips on cultivating plants suited to our region. Our Gardening Club would meet monthly at Flamingo Gardens, with an estimated annual membership fee of just $35. To gauge interest and shape club activities around what excites our members most, we are asking for your feedback. If you’re interested, please take a moment to fill out our brief 12-question survey. https://forms.office.com/r/7rUu5fcshd
Davie, FL. (2024 Sept.) Four more trees at Flamingo Gardens have been recognized as Champion trees, certifying them as the largest of their species in the state, by the Florida Forest Service. Two others have been recognized as Challengers, ranking them as second largest in the state and the challenger to the current Champion. This adds to the existing collection of 15 Champion Trees, bringing the new total number to 19 Champion trees at Flamingo Gardens, and making it the largest collection of Champion trees in one location!
The Hura crepitans, commonly called the Dynamite tree because of the loud popping noise made by their seed pods as they fall and explode, can be found to the east side of the Welcome Center. Photo courtesy of Flamingo Gardens.
The four new trees recognized as Champions include the species Hura crepitans, Mangifera indica, Aleurites moluccana, and Ficus religiosa. The Hura crepitans, commonly called Sandbox tree or Dynamite tree, stands at a whopping 101 feet tall and a trunk circumference of 159 inches. The Mangifera indica, or Mango tree, is 78 feet tall with a circumference of 150 inches, while the Aleurites moluccana, or Kukui Nut tree, stands at 80 feet tall with a 90-inch circumference. The Ficus religiosa, or Sacred Fig, derives its name from its status as a sacred plant to the Hindus and Buddhists, under which Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation and received enlightenment. This new Champion is 87 feet tall and 230 inches in circumference.
The new Mango tree Champion, Mangifera indica, is found just south of the historic banyan pavilion. Photo courtesy of Flamingo Gardens.
Two other trees were named Challenger Trees, as they are next in line to challenge the current Champion trees of those species. Those trees are another Dynamite Tree, Hura crepitans, standing at 88 feet tall and 132 inches in circumference, and a Gumbo Limbo tree, Bursera simaruba, which looms at 45 feet tall and 120 inches in circumference.
The Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940 to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States. Each year, American Forests publishes its National Register of Champion Trees.
In 1975, Florida began keeping a state register, the Florida Champion Tree Register, to recognize the largest tree of each species in the state. The register now contains hundreds of trees, including some national champions. All native and non-invasive naturalized tree species are eligible for nomination.
The Kukui Nut tree, Aleurites moluccana, is to be discovered along the Tram Trail about midway through the rainforest. Photo courtesy of Flamingo Gardens.
Champion Trees at Flamingo Gardens are a remarkable feature of the botanical garden. Flamingo Gardens is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in Florida, and boasts the largest and most diverse collection of these Champion tree giants. These four new Champions join the many other celebrated Champion trees at Flamingo Gardens including a Cavanillesia platanifolia, or Quipo tree; Ficus racemosa, or Cluster Fig; Sterculia apetala, or Panama tree; and the giant Enterolobium cyclocarpum, or Earpod tree, to name just a few.
The Sacred Fig, Ficus religiosa, can be found towering just behind the parrot aviary as you enter the Arboretum from the Ticket Booth. Photo courtesy of Flamingo Gardens.
When you visit Flamingo Gardens, you’ll find yourself in a serene, tropical environment where giant trees serve as living landmarks of Florida’s natural history and biodiversity. You can now stand in awe of four more towering giants. Take a moment to admire their beauty and reflect on the vital role they play in preserving our ecosystem for future generations.
“Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it” - African Proverb
Recently, one of Flamingo Gardens’ outstanding volunteers, Simone Kaplan, solved a botanical mystery for our Horticulture department. Simone is 17 and a student at Archbishop McCarthy High School.
The project was part of this year’s High School Summer Research Internship at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. Simone had already been working on a research project studying Sclerotium rolfsii (a fungal pathogen) in Vanda orchids at Flamingo Gardens, under the mentorship of Dr. Jason Downing and Dr. Nichole Tiernan, research botanists from Fairchild. During a trip to Flamingo Gardens to work with her plants, a chance discussion about our baobab trees between Dr. Downing, Dr. Tiernan and our Director of Horticulture, Chris Maler, led to the impetus for this summer research project.
Using modern molecular techniques (DNA sequencing), Simone was able to identify species for the baobab trees in Flamingo Gardens’ collection. The baobab is a deciduous tree native to Madagascar, mainland Africa, and Australia, of which there are eight species. Some baobabs can store up to 32,000 gallons of water in their trunk to endure harsh drought conditions, and they are among the most long-lived of vascular plants, with specimens dating well over 2,000 years old!
Simone shared that she had to change her DNA extraction procedures to accommodate for the fact that baobab leaves are full of slime! Formally called mucilage, the slime deters animals from eating the leaves. Unfortunately, it also makes DNA extractions rather difficult!
The results of Simone’s research project showed that most of the baobab trees at Flamingo Gardens belong to a few of the species from Madagascar (Adansonia za, Adansonia grandidieri, and Adansonia rubrostipa). These trees are much rarer than the sub-Saharan African baobab species (of which Flamingo Gardens also has specimens). This project is the first step in starting an organized DNA identification program at Fairchild. In most botanical gardens, many plants on display do not have visible and accurate labels. The program will allow gardens to correctly tag unidentified trees from botanical gardens like Flamingo Gardens and Fairchild. Not only is this information useful for visitors wanting to learn more about a particular tree, but it is extremely important for future research and propagation.
Flamingo Gardens is grateful to Simone and the team at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens for their efforts to correctly identify our baobab trees, and we look forward to the discoveries that will be made when she completes her orchid research project as well.
Pollinators are one of the wildlife populations most impacted by climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss. Bees, hummingbirds, bats, and butterflies are all facing unprecedented threats as they struggle to adapt and survive the changing rhythms of weather and the seasons and changes to their natural landscape. After opening the new Butterfly Conservatory at Flamingo Gardens earlier this year, we’ve been flooded with questions regarding which plants are best to attract butterflies. Before we answer that question, it is important to understand the difference between butterfly nectar source plants and butterfly host plants.
Nectar source plants attract adult butterflies by supplying nectar (sugar-rich liquid). These plants vary in size, fragrance, and shape of the flower. All nectar source plants have nectar that is sipped by the butterfly, but the plant is not eaten by them. Most butterflies are attracted to almost all nectar plants, but it is specific butterfly host plants that are truly important for their survival.
Host plants (or larval plants) are plants that the butterfly larvae will eat. Butterfly species lay their eggs on or near the specific host plants that their caterpillar larvae will eat. Each species has a very narrow range of host plants that supply the necessary chemicals required for proper nourishment and growth of the caterpillars. Without enough of these critical host plants, caterpillar larvae will starve and die, threatening the very existence of butterfly species populations.
Here are the necessary host plants needed to attract some of the more desired Broward County native butterflies to your garden:
Host Plants for Monarch and Queen Butterfly
(and Soldier Butterfly, not shown)
Giant Milkweed (Calotropis gigantea)
White Twinevine (Funastrum clausum)
Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica)
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis)
Host Plants for Zebra Longwing, Julia, and Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
Corkystem Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa)
Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Lady Margaret Passionflower (Passiflora Lady Margaret)
Host Plants for Orange-barred Sulphur
(and Cloudless Sulfur Butterfly, not shown)
Popcorn Cassia (Senna didymobotrya)
Bahama Cassia (Senna mexicana chapmanii)
Host Plant for Statira Sulphur Butterfly
Red Powderpuff (Calliandra haematocephala)
Host Plant for White Peacock
(and the Phaon Crescent and Common Buckeye Butterfly, not shown)
Frog Fruit, (Phyla nodiflora)
Host Plant for Atala Butterfly
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
Host Plant for Malachite Butterfly
Carolina wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis)
Host Plants for Giant Swallowtail Butterfly
Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) or any citrus or lime plant
Host Plants for Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) or dill or fennell
A cautionary warning- caterpillars will devour the host plants! You’ll want to provide several of each species of host plant you select so there is plenty of food for the caterpillars to eat. You don’t want the caterpillars to run out of food midway through their growth cycle. Most gardeners don’t like the look of caterpillar-ravaged host plants in their gardens, so plant the host plants interspersed among nectar plants to hide the half-eaten leaves.
Butterfly conservation organizations agree that we can help our native butterfly populations become more resilient by providing the proper host or larval plants in our landscape. With just a little effort and the proper host plants, you can attract these Broward County native butterflies to your yard and help them survive! If you wish to learn more about Florida butterflies and establishing a butterfly garden, the University of Florida has excellent information on Butterfly Gardening in Florida at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW05700.pdf
Note: The plants listed in this article can be difficult to find. We recommend looking at nurseries that specialize in Florida native plants and/or butterfly plants. Flamingo Gardens is now propagating these plants in our nursery, but the caterpillars are eating them quicker than we can propagate, so at present we do not have extra host plants to sell. We hope to in the future. Meanwhile we hope this information has been helpful.
Pollinators are one of the most impacted populations by climate change. Bees, hummingbirds, bats, and butterflies are all facing unprecedented threats as they struggle to adapt and survive the changing rhythms of weather and the seasons. You can help save seven species of Florida butterflies just by providing these three host plants in your yard!
The native habitats and migration of butterfly populations have been disrupted by extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. Summer in some areas is becoming drier and hotter, and in other areas winter is lasting longer with more storms and blizzards.
Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Butterfly conservation data shows that increasing temperatures and changing bloom times of flowers are forcing many species of butterflies to alter their migration schedules and spread northwards and uphill in search of cooler more favorable temperatures while in search of their favored nectar sources and larval host plants.
Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus)
Nectar plants attract adult butterflies by supplying nectar. These plants vary in size, fragrance, and shape of the flower. All nectar plants have nectar that is sipped by the butterfly, but the plant is not eaten by them.
Julia Butterfly (Dryas iulia)
Butterfly species choose to lay their eggs on or near plants, (called host or larval plants), that their caterpillar phase will eat. Each species has a very narrow range of host plants that supply the necessary chemicals required for the proper nourishment and growth of the caterpillars.
Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia)
Butterfly conservation organizations agree that we can help our native butterfly populations become more resilient and more responsive to climate change by providing the proper host or larval plants in our landscape.
Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae)
Here are three easy-to-grow host plants you can grow in your backyard that will help sustain the seven different Florida native butterflies featured in this article!
1. Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis)is a host plant for both the Monarch and Queen butterfly.
Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis)
2. Corky stemmed passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) is a host plant for Julia, zebra longwing, and Gulf fritillary butterflies.
Corky stemmed passionflower (Passiflora suberosa)
3. Bahama Cassia (Senna Mexicana chapmanii) is a host plant for Orange-barred sulphur and Cloudless sulphur butterflies.
Bahama Cassia (Sennna Mexicana chapmanii)
When you plant these host plants be sure to place them in a sunny, low-traffic area. Provide some nectar plants nearby that are appropriate to your area. (In South Florida, firebush, pentas, lantana, verbena, plumbago, and blue porterweed are good choices and easily found.) Try to provide some larger plants nearby for shelter and a windbreak, preferable on the north-side of the garden, and provide a water source for drinking. Flat rocks in a sunny place allow a source for butterflies to warm themselves in the sun.
Orange-barred Sulphur (Phoebis philea)
Avoid pesticides in your garden as they will kill your butterflies. Instead, use a strong spray jet of water to rid plants of pests or hand-pick them from the plants, and use mulch to decrease the weeds. Choose natural organic or slow-release fertilizers with a low phosphorous level to help minimize phosphorous runoff to our waterways.
Cloudless Sulphur butterflies (Phoebis sennae)
With just a little effort and these three plants, you can attract these seven Broward County native butterflies to your yard and help them survive! If you wish to learn more about Florida butterflies and establishing a Butterfly Garden, the University of Florida has excellent information on Butterfly Gardening in Florida, here.
Note: The three plants listed in this article can be difficult to find. We recommend looking at nurseries that specialize in Florida native plants and/or butterfly plants. Flamingo Gardens is now propagating these plants in our nursery, and we hope to have these and other essential butterfly host plants for sale in the Gift Shop by the weekend.
You probably have been given or purchased an orchid- most likely a Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, or Cattleya. These are just three of the most popular genera of the orchids in cultivation today.
[Cattleya violacea coerulea by Tom Kuligowski]
The size and diversity of the orchid family, Orchidaceae, is nothing short of astounding, with estimates of 800 genera, 30,000 naturally occurring species and more than 100,000 hybrids. Orchids grow on every continent and every habitat except the major deserts and arctic circles. Many orchids grow in subtropical areas of the world and many of those will grow well in South Florida.
[Dendrobium superbum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Orchids can be epiphytes (which grow attached to other plants, also known as “air plants”), terrestrials (grow on land), lithophytes (grow on rocks), or saprophytes (grow on dead organic matter). About 75% of all orchids are epiphytes and can be found growing on trees.
There are two groups of epiphytic orchids based on stem structure and growth habit- sympodial and monopodial.
[Sympodial orchid, Dendrobium atroviolaceum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Sympodial orchids
Sympodial orchids have a horizontal growth habit and often feature pseudobulbs, a thickened stem from which the leaves emerge that are attached to a basal rhizome. The pseudobulbs store water and food for the orchid, which allows the plant to go for prolonged periods without water. Examples of sympodial orchids include Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Oncidium orchids. In general, these types of orchids require less watering as they can store water in their pseudobulbs.
[Cattleya amethystoglossa photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Cattleya
Cattleyas are a genus of Orchidaceae native to much of South America. They are among the most popular orchids grown. Cattleyas come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes and have very showy flowers. Cattleyas are epiphytes which grow on trees or rocks. Cattleyas generally prefer humid environments and like to dry out between watering. Most important for Cattleya growth is bright, indirect light. The leaves should be medium green in color when the light levels are optimal. They tolerate temperatures between 60 and 90 F. Cattleyas like to be fertilized when in active growth, that is when you see new root tips.
[Dendrobium lasianthera photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Dendrobium
Dendrobium orchids are a popular, complex, and extremely large genus from the Old World. Some varieties grow in the mountainous Himalayas while others grow in lowland tropical forests. Some varieties even thrive in the Australian desert. Many of the subtropical Dendrobiums have beautiful flowers which are also long lasting, but because it is such a large genus group, no one culture works for all.
[Oncidium sphacelatum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Oncidium
Oncidiums can be found anywhere from sea level in the tropics to the high elevations of the Andes. The genus is not only one of the largest and most popular cultivated orchid genera, but also a collection of considerably distinct species with varying light, water, and humidity needs. Oncidiums usually produce long, branched, many-flowered, erect to arching inflorescences bearing small to large flowers often in colors from yellow to brown, rarely of uniform color but usually marked or blotched.
[Monopodial orchid Vanda Fulford’s Gold 2 photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Monopodial orchids
Monopodial orchids grow upright or vertically. They feature side shoots, which likewise grow upright. Unlike sympodial orchids, this type of epiphyte does not have pseudobulbs for nutrient storage and therefore most monopodial orchids have thicker or longer roots to retain moisture. Vanda, Phalaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum are just three of the most common monopodial orchids. Usually, these types of orchids require more humidity and more frequent watering.
[Vanda Princess Mikasa photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Vanda
Vandas are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Pacific where they can be found hanging from trees or from cracks in cliffs and other rocky locations. In South Florida these plants will grow best outdoors in bright filtered sunlight. Vandas require high humidity and should be watered daily. In the heat of the summer, they can use multiple waterings a day. Vandas can be mounted on a tree, such as a palm tree, grown in a wooden basket, or mounted on a wire.
[Phalaenopsis Fuller’s 3545 photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Phalaenopsis
The majority of Phalaenopsis are native to Indonesia and the Philippines. They naturally grow in the tropical forest attached to trees and in crevices; therefore, they like low, indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Phalaenopsis, commonly called the moth orchid due to their flat flower petals resembling moth wings, are admired for their beautiful flowers and are the most widely grown orchid genera. In fact, they account for a staggering 75 percent of all orchid plant sales. These orchids are among the easiest orchids to grow, whether in greenhouses, on windowsills, or mounted on your palm trees. Blossoms on a single stem can last for months.
[Paphipedilum venustum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilums are also called slipper orchids because of their unique floral pouch reminiscent of a lady’s shoe. They are semi-terrestrial orchids that can be found growing on the humus rich floor in their native jungle habitats of the Philippines and New Guinea to the high hills of northern India. Paphiopedilums come from the jungle, so they expect a tropical environment with plenty of moisture, humidity, and bright shade. Their care is like African violets and are a bit fussier than other orchids, preferring a temperature range between 60F-80F with a humidity level of 40-50 percent. They require watering about once per week. But like all orchids, Paphiopedilums do not tolerate soggy roots, so make sure they’re not sitting in excess water after watering.
Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids at Flamingo Gardens’ breathtaking exhibit, Beauty Of Orchids, on display March 19 to May 8, 2022. Over 1,000 live orchids in 10 displays created by staff and the Orchidteers volunteer group are set among the lush tropical setting of Flamingo Gardens and feature the images of award-winning orchid photographer, Tom Kuligowski.
Inside the Gallery you will enjoy an exhibit of beautiful orchid photographs selected from participants in Flamingo Gardens’ 11th Annual Photo Contest.
On weekends, exit the Tram at the Wetlands Walkway to hear “Native Orchid Music” by Juraj Kojs, based upon the DNA sequence of various Florida native orchids. Each weekend will also include orchid classes, tours, and demonstrations, as well as orchids for sale from select vendors. Check online for the schedule of classes and special programming at: https://flamingogardens.org/beauty-of-orchids.html
Beauty of Orchids opens the weekend of the Exotic Plant Festival & Bonsai Show, March 19 & 20, and will remain on display during the 40th International Orchid & Bromeliad Show, April 16 & 17, through Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022.
Timed Online Tickets are recommended on weekends. Beauty of Orchids exhibit is included in your Flamingo Gardens’ admission of $21.95 for ages 12+, $15.95 for ages 3-11, Flamingo Gardens’ members and children 2 and younger are free. Narrated tram tour included.
Environmental groups are calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to place the rare ghost orchid under the protection of the Endangered Species Act and officially designate its habitat in southern Florida as critical to its recovery.
[The Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax Lindenii, photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
The illusive ghost orchid, Dendrophylax Lindenii, faces mounting threats in Florida from poaching, loss of habitat, and climate change, and needs federal protection according to a petition filed recently by the Institute for Regional Conservation, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the National Parks Conservation Association. The conservation groups estimate there are only about 1,500 ghost orchids remaining in Florida where their population is down by 90%.
If so designated, the ghost orchid would be the first Florida native orchid to be federally listed as endangered or threatened.
[Prosthechea cochleata photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
Most Florida native orchid species are already state-listed as threatened or endangered and are illegal to collect in the wild. There are approximately 100 Florida native orchids genera, but only 11 are found in Broward County. Conservationists fear all Florida native orchids face the possibility of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change and poaching, if conservation and recovery plans are not instituted.
[Prosthechea cochleata var. alba photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
Flamingo Gardens, along with the help of the Flamingo Gardens Orchidteer volunteer group, has been working hard to establish colonies of native orchids throughout the hardwood hammocks and wetland areas of the Gardens. The Orchidteers and staff have mounted more than twelve hundred plants of various native orchid species such as the night fragrant Epidendrum nocturnum; the Florida butterfly orchid Encyclia tampensis; the Florida silver dollar orchid Prosthechea boothiana; and Sacoila lanceolata, commonly known as the leafless beaked orchid. We have partnered with Pine Island Jog Environmental Center on the Florida Native Orchid Revitalization Area (FLORA) project (part of the Million Orchid Project) to help enhance and restore native orchid populations at Flamingo Gardens.
[Encyclia tampensis photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
With the help of the Orchidteers volunteer group, Flamingo Gardens’ native orchid conservation programs ensure the continuation of native orchid species in the gardens; and orchid educational programs help instill a deeper love and appreciation for orchids for all those who visit. Under the watchful eyes of the Orchidteers, orchids are tagged and logged at installation, providing a detailed reference summary as the collection evolves.
[Prosthechea boothiana photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
You can learn more about Florida native orchids and Flamingo Gardens’ conservation efforts at the upcoming Beauty of Orchids exhibit from March 19 to May 9, 2022. The exhibit will feature over one thousand orchids in bloom in floral displays throughout the Gardens alongside the orchid photographs of Tom Kuligowski. Weekly orchid classes, orchid sales, and tours will accompany the exhibit. Visit www.flamingogardens.org for more information and schedule.
[Prosthechea boothiana photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
