Welcome to Orchid World (photo essay)

With their cool elegance, nothing says beautiful like an Orchid. Orchids are some of the world's most exotic and expensive flowers in part because they are so difficult to grow.  When we moved to Barbados, it was quite a surprise to see orchids growing from hooks in breezeways of private homes or nestled into the crooks of trees in someone's yard.  Our tiny island of Barbados has a perfect climate for growing orchids.  As proof, the locals will mention the many medals awarded for orchids at the famous Chelsea Flower Show in England.  But at Orchid World, seeing is believing.

Crowded with thousands of the most beautiful orchids on the island, Orchid World is an orchid lover's dream.   My mother-in-law is visiting and since she is a fellow flower lover, we decided to drive over with my four children.  We entered through the gift shop which has many products from local artists and lovely photo books in case you prefer professional shots of the beautiful blooms.  Next we proceeded through a little snack shop then onto a covered verandah.  From there, we walked down some stone steps and began our tour.

There were two choices, the short walk and the regular tour.  We wanted the full experience so we took the regular tour.  Although Orchid World advertises itself as handicapped accessable, the path was very difficult with our single stroller.  It was level but uneven.  It was no big problem since we just took my three year old out of it and drug it behind us to carry our cameras, waterbottles and snacks.

Our tour wound through paths alternately in the sun and shade.  There were benches at frequent intervals so we could rest and take in the beauty around us. 

We also walked through greenhouses with mesh roofs and sides to regulate the amount of sun and rain allowed to reach the delicate blossoms.

We were constantly surprised by the many varieties of orchids.  Orchid World boasts that they are the proud possessors of over 20,000 orchids and there were literally dozens of varieties in bloom.  Some were unusually colored like this green orchid.

Some had Shapes we'd never seen before.

Some were had strange shapes and colors like this one hanging by a fountain in one of the greenhouses.

These tiny gems were growing at the end of a very tall stalk.

Who knew there were so many different kinds of beauty?