ORCHID Dynasty Beauty in the Desert
O
rchids … exotic, beautiful, mesmerizing … and thriving in Salt Lake City. Although far removed from the tropics where they bloom in thousands of varieties, orchids are abundant here in the high desert of Utah. Both the flowers and those who fancy them were at the recent spring showing of the Orchid Club of Utah held at Red Butte Gardens. “Orchids are so varied no matter what your situation that there is one that will grow,” says club president
24 | utahstories.com
Angie Schneider. There are few plants that have created such a devotion. During the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, explorers risked their lives to find new varieties in malarial jungles. What is it about orchids that create a fascination bordering on addiction? “Orchids teach us patience,” says Shawn Quealy. “They can take forever to flower, grow or die. It’s a spiritual connection that sucks you in by creating rewards on different levels. It’s the
PHOTOS BY DUNG HOANG
By Al Sacharov
