Tour ORCHID CONSERVATORY at Hillwood Estate — Ep. 367

Summary

Join Jessica Bon, the director of horticulture at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, as she takes us on a tour through the estate's lush greenhouses. Discover a diverse collection of over 2,000 orchids and tropicals, including the beloved Cattleya, which was Marjorie Post's favorite. Learn about the unique care and environment required for these beautiful plants, from the warm and intermediate greenhouses to the cooler areas. Experience the vibrant colors and scents of the orchids, and gain insight into the estate's commitment to preserving Marjorie Post's legacy through their horticultural practices.

Takeaways

• 🌷 The Hillwood estate Museum and Gardens is home to an impressive orchid collection, which was the passion of its former resident, Margerie Merriweather Post.
• 🏡 Margerie Post expanded the estate's original greenhouse in 1955 by adding four more, housing a collection of about 2,000 orchids and tropicals.
• 💐 The estate's orchid collection includes a variety of species and cultivars, with a particular emphasis on Cattleya, which was Post's favorite.
• 🌳 The greenhouses are divided into different environments to accommodate the varying needs of orchids, including warm, intermediate, and cool houses.
• 🌼 The estate features a working greenhouse that is on view all year long, unlike temporary displays found in other institutions.
• 🍃 The care for the orchids involves using a chunky bark medium with charcoal for tropical orchids, simulating the forest floor of a rainforest.
• 🐝 While the greenhouse is closed to the public, it still attracts some pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• 🌱 The estate underwent a major restoration from 1997 to 2000, which included tearing down and rebuilding the greenhouses in the same style as originally designed by Post.
• 🌿 The estate's horticulture team is committed to preserving Post's legacy by maintaining a collection similar to what she had and adding new acquisitions over time.
• 💧 The orchids are watered using a dosatron system, which allows for precise application of water and nutrients.
• 🐞 The estate manages pests organically by releasing beneficial insects to combat issues like scale and thrips, which are common in orchid cultivation.

Q & A

Who is Jessica Bon and what is her role at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens?

Jessica Bon is the Director of Horticulture at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, where she oversees the care and display of the estate's extensive plant collections.

Who was Marjorie Merriweather Post and what was her connection to orchids?

Marjorie Merriweather Post was an American businesswoman, collector, philanthropist, and a lover of orchids. She was the former resident of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, and she had a collection of about 2,000 orchids and tropicals.

What was the original number of greenhouses at Hillwood Estate before Marjorie Post expanded them?

There was originally one greenhouse at Hillwood Estate. Marjorie Post added four more greenhouses when she moved in and bought the property in 1955.

What is the significance of the orchid collection at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens?

The orchid collection at Hillwood Estate is significant because it was curated by Marjorie Post, who was particularly fond of orchids. The collection showcases a variety of species and cultivars, including her favorite, the Cattleya.

How are the orchids at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens displayed throughout the year?

The orchids at Hillwood Estate are displayed in working greenhouses that are on view all year long. They are not just displayed temporarily during blooming periods like in some other institutions.

What is the role of an orchid curator at Hillwood Estate?

The orchid curator at Hillwood Estate is responsible for taking care of the orchid collection. This includes managing the health and growth of the orchids, as well as maintaining the legacy of Marjorie Post's collection.

Can you describe the different types of environments in the greenhouses at Hillwood Estate?

The greenhouses at Hillwood Estate are divided into different environments to accommodate various types of orchids. There are warm houses, an intermediate house, and a cooler house, each designed to meet the specific needs of the orchids they house.

What is the significance of the Vanda orchid mentioned in the script and its unique scent?

The Vanda orchid mentioned in the script is significant because of its unique scent, which is likened to grape soda. This distinctive fragrance adds to the allure of the orchid and showcases the diversity within the collection.

How do the staff at Hillwood Estate manage pests and diseases in the greenhouses?

The staff at Hillwood Estate manage pests and diseases in the greenhouses organically. They release beneficial insects to combat insect problems like scales and thrips, and also use mechanical methods such as alcohol to remove pests.

What is the process for introducing new orchids to the collection at Hillwood Estate?

The process for introducing new orchids to the collection at Hillwood Estate involves maintaining the vibe and legacy set by Marjorie Post. While not much of the original collection remains, the estate continues to add and fix the collection, ensuring it aligns with her preferences and the overall aesthetic of the estate.

How do the staff at Hillwood Estate care for the orchids in terms of watering and fertilizing?

The staff at Hillwood Estate use a dosatron to spray a nutrient solution onto the orchids, which can be applied to both the leaves and roots. They also mention misting in the house, indicating that they provide a humid environment suitable for orchid growth.