February 2025
Orchids are nature’s ultimate adventurers. Over millennia, they’ve puzzled out ways to succeed on every continent, except Antartica. They’re a plant family 28,000 species strong. Dive into the lore of Orchidaceae and you find masters of survival, cleverly adapted to thrive in almost any biome imaginable. Orchids excel in treetops, rocky crags, and forest floors—not to mention the grocery store. Their commercial ubiquity sometimes masks the fact that this genus is incredibly diverse and highly specialized.
So, how do we spotlight such an epic, enigmatic, group of plants? NEBG’s team of horticulturists and educators make it their mission to develop an annual orchid exhibition that immerses visitors in the world of orchids in new and different ways. This year, for Pixels + Petals, they filled the Garden’s two subtropical conservatories with 2,000 orchids and large-scale, colorful displays that evoke the aesthetic of retro video games. That’s right—nostalgia-inspiring games of adventure and heroics perfect for our main characters. Meet Oncidium, the dancing lady orchid; Paphiopedilum, slipper orchids; Phalaenopsis, the boat orchid; and more. Garden visitors are invited to power up and play along on a journey into the plant realm now through March 23.
Catch a Glimpse of the Exhibition
Did Someone Say Side Quests?
Just when you thought you’d earned all the achievements, there’s more. Level up the experience of Pixels + Petals by joining the Garden for added adventures:
- Orchids After Dark (21+), Photography Sessions, Walk & Talks, or classes for adults or families. Learn more.
- Nature Quest, a week of exciting programs for kids, is coming up during February school vacation week.
- At home or at the Garden, check out our Orchid Identification Guide to learn more about the orchids on display, and mark your calendars, because they go on sale April 4.
- Share your Pixels + Petals adventures with us by tagging the Garden on social @NewEnglandBG!
Words by Liz Nye and video by Megan Stouffer, NEBG staff