Fantastic Orchid

Belle Isle Conservatory is known for its collection of exotic orchids. Throughout the Conservatory, visitors can enjoy many varieties of orchids, in different colors, shapes, and types.

My father used to take us to the island when we first moved to Michigan for family time, but I was more interested in taking pictures of people than anything else. Well, now that I am older, my interest has reversed.

In fact, I get agitated if people are in my pictures. (This includes my son, and you can't tell him this!) I prefer to take his pictures separately, and my flowers separately.

Brown Beauty


You can see this brownish orchid throughout the garden! What I like most about this orchid is the pouch in the middle. It seems to always contain water whenever I visit.

The Baby


This is the baby one, still very young and small in size, but just as fantastic as the rest of its family. There are three leaves around the little pouch, and one directly behind it. What is the purpose for the pouch, do you know?

All Out


Gorgeous isn't it? The middle line on the leaf had a deep dark red, and speckles, while the pouch remains the color of brown.

Up High


All of these orchids are grown in small clay pots, and placed in different parts of the conservatory. I thought the pots are too small for the plants, but they seem very thriving.

The Other Side


Here is a look from a slightly different angle. In this picture, you can see the orchid is mainly in its brown color.

Closer, Please


Have a closer look! Can you tell my obsession with this orchid? The flower is so uniquely shape, delicate, and just breath-taking.

I can spend hours in this garden, alone if I can, and look at every little thing they have in the macro mode of my camera. Sadly, my trip always ended when my batteries ran out. When my children heard that my batteries died, they breathe a sigh of relief and a whisper "thank God!"