Orchids Anonymous

CONFESSION: I have an unhealthy obsession with orchids. Basically, anything that ends with an -ium...dendrobium, cymbidium, oncidium...bacterium, ammonium, spermatogonium. Obviously the last three are not actual names of orchids, just science terms from my years as a biology major in college.

The interesting thing about orchids are that they are able to command attention even if they are in a sea of flowers. (Perhaps, I'm living a little vicariously through them). Although they can carry a hefty price tag and require more labor to prep, the impact they have undoubtedly justifies the cost. If a designer uses them effectively, a large quantity may not be needed to achieve the look you want. Plus (and this is a huge plus), they are very hardy and have a nice range of colors.

I designed this particular centerpiece to show that orchids do not always have to equate to a tropical theme, although that is equally beautiful. The use of a subdued color palette and pseudo-garden flowers like hydrangea and roses, can force orchids into playing the role of shabby chic. The possibilities are endless and that is, in a nutshell, why I'm being pushed towards a 12-step program.