Beautiful, fragrant, and rare orchids will cover the lush landscape of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for the three-day International Orchid Festival, held Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. More than 10,000 orchids and plants will be on view and available for purchase throughout the Garden. Stop by the Science Village to watch interactive demonstrations of the Million Orchid Project, which aims to reintroduce one million native and endangered orchids back into South Florida. Presented by the Orchid Society of Coral Gables, the breathtaking displays of rare and exotic orchid species at the American Orchid Society juried show are a must-see.

Walk through the Wings of the Tropics butterfly conservatory, Tropical Fruit Pavilion, and Rainforest to see the diversity of orchid species, including the fragrant cattleya, and the environments they grow in. Get an in-depth look at the best ways to care for orchids of all kinds with interactive gardening workshops and walking tours.

The festival welcomes everyone, from orchid enthusiasts to those who wish to spend a weekend surrounded by nature. Marvel at the elegant glass installations on view by artist Dale Chihuly, part of the 2014-15 Art at Fairchild season. For dining, the Orchid Tea Garden in the Baobab Courtyard is open from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and is a great place to relax with a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Food is available in the Glasshouse Café, Lakeside Café, and Edible Garden.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156. Admission is free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. For nonmembers, admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17. Eco-discounts and military discounts are available.

For more information, please visit the International Orchid Festival webpage.