The Dangerous World of Rare Orchids: A Tale of Beauty and Deception

Orchids in bloom

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 13, 1989 On this day, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune published a story that lifted the veil on the shadowy world of rare orchid trading. The article focused on Limerick Inc. and an alleged…

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The Night Dancer: Victoria Cruziana’s Enchanting Ballet

Victoria cruziana flower

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. November 8, 1849 On this day, dear gardening enthusiasts, a horticultural marvel unfurled its petals for the first time in England, casting a spell of wonder upon all who beheld it. The Victoria…

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Tiny Troublemaker: The Orchid That Stopped a Highway

Navasota Ladies' Tresses

This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast: Click here to see the complete show notes for this episode. July 10, 1983 On this day, dear readers, a most peculiar headline graced the pages of The Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana. It proclaimed, with no small measure of astonishment, ‘Rare Plant Halts…

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