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Laura Condeluci
, Public Programs Coordinator, 202-226-4145

Orchid Mystique: Nature’s Triumph
U.S. Botanic Garden orchid exhibit runs February 18 to April 29

February 7, 2012 — Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Botanic Garden presents Orchid Mystique: Nature’s Triumph from February 18 through April 29. This annual orchid exhibit, in collaboration with Smithsonian Gardens, features orchids from around the globe.

Orchid Mystique: Nature's Triumph observes the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of the cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C., by presenting our orchids around the Conservatory in serene settings evocative of Japanese gardens to complement the thousands of orchids on display. The tranquility of the Japanese aesthetic invites appreciation of the beauty, form and exquisite floral complexity of nature's most diverse plant family.

In addition, pictures of North American Japanese gardens from award-winning photographer David Cobb and a selection of native orchids from photographer Hal Horwitz will be featured.

Also on display is an exhibit about a new national effort to restore and conserve native orchids between the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Smithsonian Institution.

During Orchid Mystique: Nature’s Triumph, the U.S. Botanic Garden will offer orchid-themed activities for adults and children. Please visit our Events Calendar to see the schedule.

The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory is open to the public every day of the year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free of charge. The Conservatory is located at 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, on the west side of the U.S. Capitol. Visitors are encouraged to take Metrobus and Metrorail. Please visit our Events Calendar or call (202) 225-8333 for more information.

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United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Garden informs visitors about the importance and fundamental value of plants and highlights the diversity of plants worldwide, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological significance. With nearly a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. The U.S. Botanic Garden has been recognized as a museum and accredited by the American Association of Museums.