Orchids in Bloom

Yesterday I worked as a tour guide at Audubon House and Tropical Gardens.  When I wasn't talking history with guests, I was photographing the orchids in the garden.

The orchids are tied to trees with twine.  Eventually the roots will grow around the tree trunk and the twine rots away.  The trees aren't harmed at all in this process.  Below is an orchid tree that's not in bloom right now.  Not so pretty!

Even in silhouette, orchids have an ethereal, mysterious beauty.