A few years ago I read a book by author Susan Orlean called The Orchid Thief. Perhaps you have heard of it, read it, or even seen the movie version of it, called Adaptation. If not, I recommend it. A tale of obsession and deception, it's a fascinating story that started with the arrest of a plant dealer who was poaching rare orchids in South Florida.

But that's beside the point. I have never been good at growing orchids. In fact, I'm ashamed to admit I killed the last orchid from a friend's beloved grandfather's collection within a few months of his death. I love looking at orchids, though, so this past weekend I visited the Mt. Baker Orchid Society's show and sale at a local nursery. Lucky for me, the folks tending the plants not only didn't mind me sticking my big lens into the blossoms, they were helpful and friendly and more than willing to answer questions and tell me about the plants. I even came home with a purchase (yikes!). I'll definitely keep track of the Northwest Orchid Society in case I get into plant trouble.

There were so many varieties on display it was absolute sensory overload! If you ever get the chance to visit an orchid show, I highly recommend it. Orchid-10

I look at these flowers and so often I see something other than a flower. What do you see?

Orchid-7 Orchid (1 of 2) Orchid-8 Orchid-4