There’s a particular kind of calm that lives at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the kind that makes you want to slow your pace without even realizing it. I’ve learned to take advantage of that. As a member, I drop in when the afternoon light gets soft, sometimes for a full stroll, sometimes just for a quick lap through the conservatory to see what’s changed. The gardens are one of those Sarasota constants that never actually feel the same twice.
This week’s excuse to stop by was The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law, which recently opened at the Downtown campus on Mound Street. Selby always has something in bloom, but this one’s their annual spotlight and part of a long-running series that highlights orchids from around the world. It’s a point of pride for the gardens. They’re home to one of the largest documented collections of epiphytic orchids anywhere, and every fall they put them on display in new, creative ways.
Two parts, two very different experiences
The show actually splits into two parts. The first, and the one I assume most people come for, lives inside the conservatory, where the orchids are staged in a mix of naturalistic and sculptural displays. The second is in the white house on the property, known formally as the “Richard and Ellen Sandor
Museum of Botany & the Arts”. That’s where the “Rebecca Louise Law” portion comes in, featuring a site-specific installation by the British artist known for large-scale works using preserved flowers.
I’ll admit, I didn’t make it into that part. Nothing against art, but I’ve learned my preferences at Selby. Those gallery spaces are elegant but a little too stiff for my taste. White walls, security guards, the hush of a museum. If I want that experience, I’ll go to an actual museum. What I come to Selby for is the open air, the sound of water trickling somewhere nearby, and the sight of a few thousand plants doing their slow, miraculous work. The conservatory scratches that itch perfectly.
Inside the conservatory
Even with the ongoing campus renovations, the space doesn’t feel diminished. The greenhouse being used this season might be smaller than their main one, but the layout makes smart use of the scale. Pathways curve through pockets of orchids arranged like small vignettes. Some are suspended in midair, others mounted to bark or nestled among ferns. Water features wind through the space, catching light and reflecting the deep greens and pinks above.
It’s not a massive display. You can comfortably walk it in five or ten minutes, but that’s part of the appeal. The orchids themselves do most of the talking. They come in so many variations it’s hard to keep track. Some are the size of a coin, others resemble birds in mid-flight. There are familiar shapes, the kind you might find in a grocery store display, sitting right beside rare species with colors so saturated they almost look digital. The closer you look, the stranger and more intricate they become.
Photography here is practically irresistible. Every step offers some small composition. A cascade of petals against dark moss, a tiny bloom tucked inside a larger leaf, a beam of sunlight cutting through mist. Even if you’re not the kind of person who normally takes plant photos, you’ll find yourself capturing Instagram worthy pics here.
A few displays are framed by minimalist metal backdrops, silver-colored panels hanging behind certain plants. Some looked unfinished to me, almost like the backs of signs waiting for labels. They had a few faint stamps or marks but no clear information. Maybe they’re part of the design, maybe just placeholders. Either way, they were the only part of the exhibit that pulled me out of the rhythm. Otherwise, everything feels carefully considered.
Lingering after the blooms
After looping through the conservatory, I took my usual detour to the banyan grove just outside. That’s the best part of being a member. The unhurried routine. Sit for a while, watch people take their own photos, and notice how everyone falls into the same pace you did inside. It’s like the orchids pass their stillness on.
For anyone planning a visit, the show runs through January 11th (“extended by popular demand”), and admission is included with a regular ticket or membership. Mornings tend to be brighter for photography. Late afternoons are quieter and cooler, but note the museum part closes early (4:30pm). If you’re coming with kids, the conservatory’s compact layout makes it easy to explore without the “are we done yet?” factor. Once you’re outside, there are ample benches tucked under shady trees that make great spots for a snack or just a pause.
If you’re the type who enjoys immersive art installations, the museum portion of the exhibit might be right up your alley. For me, though, the greenhouse is the heart of it. It’s where the living things are. Unpredictable, a little wild, and constantly changing. That’s what keeps me coming back.
Every city has its must-see attraction, the place people tell visitors not to miss. The reason I keep showing up at Selby Gardens isn’t because it’s a checklist item. It’s because each visit feels slightly new. The air, the light, the color. The Orchid Show just happens to capture all of that in one small, vibrant loop.
