Various orchids in pots on greenhouse bench, with yellow flowers in focus
Orchids from Living Collection in greenhouse

Speaker: Justin Kondrat, Horticulturist, Smithsonian Gardens

Since it was established in 1974, the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection (SGOC) started with a bequest from Marjorie Merriweather Post, and in conjunction with support from Mary Livingston Ripley, this collection became well-established and has grown to over 4,000 specimens from all over the world. Collections like SGOC are a vital conservation resource offering protection to species from a variety of threats including habitat change and over collecting. SGOC is maintained within the Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility in Suitland, Maryland by staff, interns, contractors and volunteers. This virtual tour, led by Justin Kondrat, SGOC Lead Horticulturist, will give you a rare look into how large-scale collections are managed and persevered for generations of inspiration.