It's no secret that I love birthdays - my own being no exception. I tend to celebrate not just the day, but the entire week... and, on occasion, the whole month. I hardly believe I'm alone in this. So, knowing me better than anyone else (myself included!), my love plotted the perfect way to celebrate another rotation around the sun: an afternoon exploring the Haupt Conservatory's Orchid Exhibit at The New York Botanical Garden (running now through April 9th). For this diehard horticulture fan, the sight of more than 6,000 orchids nestled in amidst some of the conservatories more permanent residents was spectacular... a blend of countless orchid varieties in all shapes, sizes and colours from floristic regions around the world. Who knew some orchid species are as tiny as 2 millimeters across? And yet another fun surprise: beholding, for the second time in my life, the truly magical, seemingly glowing, Jade Vine. Can I just say - I have serious 'house' plant envy.

Here's a visual retelling of just a fraction of the splendor we experienced... (notice also the very confused cherry blossoms rearing their buds in the unseasonably balmy weather we've been enjoying this February.)