An Orchid Forest will be open January 15 through April 3, 2011, in the Pacific Island Water Garden of the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio.

Just when you’re craving warmth and color in the midst of winter, Road Trips Gardeners, you’ll be able to walk through hundreds of colorful, tropical orchids arranged on arches, descending from trees and backed up with lush, green foliage. It’s the perfect winter escape — and it should give you inspiration to bring orchids into your own interior garden. Note that orchid experts will be on site each Sunday afternoon.

Orchid displays in hot, vibrant hues are featured in the Show House. In the Atrium Gallery, there’ll be colorful photographic images by Columbus artist Julia McLemore and sculpted glass flowers by Conservatory Hot Shop glass artists Daniel Schreiber and Caleb Mroczka.

Paul Busse’s fairy tale garden railway (formerly steaming through a holiday landscape) will delight kids of all ages with its new, tropical look.

(Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Conservatory)