We are excited to see our Vanilla Orchid has started blooming in the North Garden. There are 5 buds in this flower cluster and 3 have opened so far. Vanilla is a vining orchid which needs to be mature and at least 30 ft. long to bloom. Ours has reached ~ 35 ft. in length and these are the first flowers we have had in many years . The staff has attempted to hand pollinate the flowers and we hope to see pods in a few months.