RARE orchid species from Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens are among those on display at a prestigious flower show – after the city stepped in to save the day following issues at customs.
An exhibition stand at the Chelsea Flower Show, which began this week, includes rare orchids, ferns, begonias and other plants on loan from Glasgow City Council.
They are part of a stand by JP Wright & Company of Florida and Grow Tropicals “highlighting the vital role orchids play as indicators of the health of wider ecosystems”.
Plants loaned to the exhibit include a Resurrection Fern, which grows alongside the Florida Ghost Orchid in swamps in the wild, and Angraecum podochiloides, which has tiny flowers smaller than a thumbnail.
Glasgow's Botanic Gardens were gifted a huge collection of orchids by Isobyl La Croix of the Royal Orchid Society in 2008.
Christine Nicholson, orchid propagator at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens, said: "It was great to be asked to supply plants for Chelsea which is world-renowned and features the best growers and designers from around the globe.
“It is very exciting and I can't wait to see photos of the completed exhibition stand.
"We were asked to help when some plants for the display got delayed at customs and we were delighted to be able to assist.
“The plants will be returned to Glasgow when the Chelsea Flower Show closes."
Visitors can also learn about the efforts of a global conservation team protecting the Florida Ghost orchids.
The show will end on May 27.
