Today’s topic is orchids, but not the ones you might be growing as a flowering houseplant. Our subject is native terrestrial types that are more often than not under great pressure in the wild, their numbers dwindling. 

Now, thanks to work led by Peter Zale at Longwood Gardens, strategies have been developed for propagating one such orchid, the Kentucky lady’s slipper. That Cypripedium and Dr. Zale will travel to the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show in England, where they’ll be part of an international display showcasing efforts in orchid conservation.