Orchid Daze Installation

Our staff is working like mad. The opening of Orchid Daze: Lasting Impressions (this Saturday!) is rumbling toward us like a smoking freight train. Because of last week's ice storm fiasco, many of our plant deliveries were delayed, rescheduled, or in a couple of cases, lost. As a result, this week, while we are in the midst of installation, wave after wave of incoming plants are still arriving at our doors. Some of our staff have to be redeployed to unload, unpack and transport the incoming. Even under normal circumstances, the logistics of mobilizing staff and moving large quantities of materials and plants are daunting. It reminds me of Anthony Bourdain's description of managing the operations at a large restaurant: 'like launching the invasion of Normandy every day.'

Multitasking is essential, even though recent research shows that none of us are very good at it. This morning, for example, as I mentally updated one of several to do lists while making breakfast, I reached into the fridge, popped open a can of sparkling water, and poured it over my Cheerios.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what we're up to.

In our Monet-inspired display in the Orchid Atrium, Sarah Carter has been installing orchids in the 'lily pad planters' in the pond.

Oncidium Twinkle planted at the base of potted willow trees.

The Conservatory Lobby design takes its inspiration from Van Gogh's Starry Night. Steve Bell created the amazing spiral beds. At the apex of each bed is a towering Italian Cypress.

Jason Cameron created three 'Starry Night spirals' that will be suspended above beds overflowing with orchids.

Mark your calendar! Orchid Daze 2014: Lasting Impressions opens this weekend.