With their intricate shapes and rich colors, it is no wonder orchids are regarded as one of nature's masterpieces. Among the world's largest families of flowering plants, with almost 30,000 species, their cultural roots run deep.
In China, orchids embody virtues such as integrity and nobility and are considered one of the "four gentlemen" of the plant world, along with chrysanthemums, plum blossom, and bamboo. In Thailand, they are considered a national symbol of respect and honor, and in Japan, they represent luxury and perfection.
Hong Kong has a rich variety of native orchids – 133 known species, in fact – and spring, with its combination of high rainfall and humidity, produces the ideal damp environment for them to thrive.
To celebrate orchids, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) in Tai Po in the city's New Territories, is hosting a festival, "Nature Exploration – Orchid Encounters," on April 25 that includes a tour of its facilities that house local orchids and orchids from the India-Myanmar region, as well as a workshop on repotting that will outline how to care for orchids.
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