An Orchid Symphony

Finally, after the most brutal DC winter in a long while, blooming flowers and other visual signs of spring are making an appearance around the city. But if you want a more concentrated burst of natural beauty right now, you should head to the national Botanical Gardens, where the elegance of orchids and nature-themed classical music have been combined to create an exuberant, whimsical display.

With more than 20,000 species, orchids, valued for their variety, fragrance, and shapes, are one of the most diverse plant families on Earth.

While most people associate orchids with the tropics, they are actually found on every continent except Antarctica.

With this new exhibition, which will be on view until April 27, you walk among instruments made of flowers and listen to a set list of great classical music such as Water Music:Air by George Frederic Handel, "Spring"from the Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi,  and "Ode to Joy" by Ludwig Van Beethoven, as you revel in a true symphony of color, form, and smell.

A Prices Do DC Extra
Here is just a sampling of what you will see ...