Remember the 2002 movie Adaptation? It starred Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep, who were both nominated for Academy Awards for their performances. The film was based on Susan Orlean's non-fiction novel The Orchid Thief, which addressed the arrest of John Laroche and a group of Seminoles in South Florida for poaching rare orchids. Though some say they took the flowers solely to make a profit, Laroche said he was passionate about the flower.
If you like orchids as much as Laroche, you're in luck. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables) hosts its 10th annual Orchid Festival Friday through Sunday. There, you can check out more than 10,000 orchids on display by vendors from around the world. Tours and workshops will be available, and there will also be tea and dessert in the Orchid Tea Room.
The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6 to 17 years old; however, Fairchild members and children 5 years old and under are free. Call 305-667-1651 or visit fairchildgarden.com.
Fri., March 9, 2012