Those who have always wanted to cultivate orchids at home but have been intimidated by the mystique surrounding the dramatic plants may want to visit the Orchid Show, opening this weekend at the New York Botanical Garden. The curated and elaborately designed exhibit will feature more than 5,000 orchid specimens in settings ranging from the artistic – as in orchid filled canoes floating in a pool surrounded by palm trees – to the naturalistic, with galleries that simulate the habitat of a lowland rain forest. The exhibit will focus particularly on rare species such as slipper orchids, whose removal from the wild is restricted by international law. In the garden’s shop, thousands of orchids (including legally obtained slipper orchid specimens) will be available for purchase, along with orchid-growing products and books. Orchid-growing novices can attend home gardening demonstrations with orchid experts to learn about basic orchid care, easy-to-grow varieties, and dividing and repotting.

“The Orchid Show,” February 26-March 27 at the New York Botanical Garden at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road in the Bronx. For information, call 718-817-8700 or visit www.nybg.org.