They look great on a table. They add style to a wardrobe. Their dried seed pods are super for aromatherapy. And their dried leaves add flavor to rum.
Queens Botanical Garden hosts Taiwan: A World of Orchids (台灣：蘭花世界) from Friday, Aug. 11, to Sunday, Aug. 13.
Presented via a partnership with the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in New York, this tenth annual weekend will feature more than 750 pots of orchids along with opportunities to make orchid crafts and orchid-centered bouquets, experience Taiwanese culture, enjoy a tea ceremony, converse with orchid experts, and listen to ancient storytelling.
Did we mention shopping for orchids on Sunday from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm?
General admission is $6 for adults, but $4 for seniors (62+) and students with ID. Children (ages 4 to 12) can attend for $2, while those under age three can attend for free. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
The schedule follows.
Friday, Aug. 11
9 am to 5 pm, Orchid Exhibition & Orchid Sale
11 am to 5 pm, Food & Beverage
11 am to noon, Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration at V&A Meeting Room
Noon to 1 pm, Silkscreen Printing at V&A Auditorium
Noon to 5 pm, Beer & Wine Garden
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration at V&A Meeting Room
6 pm to 8 pm, Members-Only Orchid Evening (Click here for more info.)
Saturday, Aug. 12
9 am to 5 pm, Orchid Exhibition & Orchid Sale
9:45 pm to 10:45 am, Tea Demonstration (limited capacity) at V&A Meeting Room
11 am to noon, 3D Flower Jello Art at V&A Meeting Room
11 am to 1 pm, Orchid-Centered Flower Arranging at V&A Auditorium (Ticketed; Purchase here)
11 am to 5 pm, Food & Beverage
Noon to 5 pm, Beer & Wine Garden
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, 3D Flower Jello Art at V&A Meeting Room
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Jazz Trio Performance at V&A Terrace
3 pm to 4 pm, Silkscreen Printing at V&A Auditorium
3 pm to 4 pm, Tea Demonstration (limited capacity) at V&A Meeting Room
Sunday, Aug. 13
9 am to 3 pm, Orchid Exhibition & Orchid Sale
9:45 pm to 10:45 am, Tea Ceremony Demonstration (limited capacity) at V&A Meeting Room
11 am to 11:45 am, Storytelling by Maggie Chiang, Ph.D. East Asian Studies, at V&A Meeting Room
11 am to 1 pm, Orchid Watercolor Workshop at V&A Auditorium (Ticketed; Purchase here)
11 am to 3 pm, Food & Beverage
Noon to 12:45 pm, Storytelling by Maggie Chiang, Ph.D. East Asian Studies, at V&A Meeting Room
Noon to 3 pm, Beer & Wine Garden
1:30 pm to 2:15 pm, Paper Cutting Craft Demonstration at V&A Meeting Room
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Jazz Trio Performance at V&A Terrace
3 pm to 4 pm, Silkscreen Printing at V&A Auditorium
3 pm to 4 pm, Tea Demonstration (limited capacity) at V&A Meeting Room
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Orchid Sale
Orchids can grow almost anywhere in the world, but Taiwan’s southern tip has the ideal climate, sun, and soil for cultivating this flower. The East Asian island is the world’s largest exporter, sending orchids to more than 75 countries. And as no surprise, they have been part of the country’s culture for many centuries.
“Our orchids’ vibrant colors serve as a gentle reminder to embrace a stylish way of living, while their inherent charm highlights the natural beauty of Taiwan,” writes TECO-NY Ambassador and Director-General James K. J. Lee in an open invitation. “In addition to Instagram-worthy orchid displays, cultural programs such as a tea ceremony, storytelling, calligraphy workshop, silk screen printing, and 3D jello flower-making will be available for visitors to participate in throughout the three-day event. We are also taking the opportunity to showcase Taiwanese culinary delights, as food and beverage vendors will serve street food style delicacies, tea, and desserts, while a refreshing beer garden with a live Jazz performance will help visitors beat the summer heat.”
QBG’s main entrance is at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing. There’s onsite parking for $15 in QBG’s lot at 42-80 Crommelin St.
Images: QBG