With the arrival of an early spring, the Crosby Arboretum staff moved up one of its educational events up to give visitors the chance to learn about one of Mississippi’s most unique native plants while it’s in bloom.
Glen Ladnier will present the program April 22 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. It will be about the native species of orchids found at the Arboretum.
As a member of the Gulf Coast Orchid Society, Ladnier is knowledgeable about the plant and will present information ranging from the structure to how to cultivate this complex flower, Crosby Arboretum Director Pat Drackett said.
Some of the most common orchid species found at the Arboretum include rose pogonias, also called snake mouth, lady tresses, spreading pogonias and grass pink orchids, as well as one variety that grows in the trees called the green fly orchid.
Their complexity lies in how each species has developed its color and shape to attract insects for pollination, Drackett said.
Because of the warm weather, she said staff moved the event from early May when they noticed many of the orchids were already in bloom.
With bright pink colors and tall stalks, the blooms were easy to spot within the pitcher plant field and other native areas in the Arboretum, Drackett said.
The lady tresses can also be spotted around town where the grass has grown taller, she said. Atop a tall stalk, the flowers spiral out in a spike pattern.
Following the brief presentation, Ladnier will lead the group through a short field walk to see native orchids in bloom around the Arboretum, Drackett said.
Earlier that morning, Jim Sonnes, a certified yoga instructor, will hold a class and short meditation session under the Pinecote Pavilion from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Sonnes holds the class a few times every year during the warmer months, Drackett said.
As an owner of a beautiful garden full of native plants, Drackett said Sonnes loves nature and the Pinecote Pavilion is the perfect place for a peaceful outdoor yoga session.
Yoga mats will be provided, but the class size is limited to 16 so interested parties are asked to register by April 21.
Summer programs and events will be announced on the website and Facebook page soon, Drackett said.
Anyone interested in the native orchid field walk or attending the yoga class is asked to register by calling 601-799-2311. The non-member fee is $5.