orchids

I found out there is an orchid grower close by in Morrisville NC, called the Orchid Trail.  They have several greenhouses full of over 100 varieties of orchids.  One greenhouse houses their private collection, and visitors may have a free tour.  It's a small local business, not a known tourist destination.   I took a friend there just before Christmas, and was delighted to see so many beautiful flowers.

They had several greenhouses with specimens for sale, at very reasonable prices.  Some were for corsages, some were the common hardy varieties you can find for sale at the local stores, and some were  intricately alien-like and downright weird, but weird beautiful, not weird ugly.

I think this next one is called a ladyslipper (sorry botanists if I have it wrong), and the color was like the most gorgeous Caribbean sunset that I just wanted to crawl inside it's little pouch and live there.

Up for a challenge?  Find some really cool little spot close to home, that you've never been to before, and check it out over the weekend.  Embrace these small local businesses, spread the word, buy their products, enjoy what they have to offer.  Be inspired.