French Guiana's Orchid Garden

A French couple of botanical scientists have just created a unique orchid garden about 40 minutes from our home in Cayenne. They've spent over a decade collecting and studying specimens and have created a jewel of a botanical garden to show the public over a thousand orchid species indigenous to French Guiana. This is a definite must for all nature lovers! (Click on photos to enlarge)

We learned that many orchids can grow very tall like this one:

There's also a greenhouse offering over a hundred varieties of orchids for purchase. This one really impressed us by it's size.

They also research and produce vanilla which are some of the oldest orchids still in existence since prehistoric times. Only a few flowers on the vanilla vine will actually produce a vanilla bean which is one of the reasons why it is a rare commodity.

This fiery red orchid is called Renanthera Philippinensis. It's a giant orchid that can grow taller than a person. We bought one in the greenhouse and have already enjoyed blossoms in our backyard!

The orchid garden has been beautifully landscaped to create little areas of shade and rest like this small lily pond.

Some of the orchids were planted in the ground. Most, however, were niched in trees and had drooping garlands of blooms.

It is really amazing to see how orchids come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors. I think this variety was one of our favorites.