Hothouse flowers It may be cold and snowy outside, but it's warm and lovely inside the Como conservatory's Sunken Garden. The annual Winter Flower Show of vibrant blooming azaleas, cyclamen, veltheimia, amaryllis and cineraria continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through March 20. The free show is in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul.
The lavish floral display also will be the setting for Valentine's Day gourmet dinners served Feb. 13 and 14. Candle-lit tables of two will be set throughout the conservatory's gardens. Seatings are 5:30 and 8 p.m. each evening. Cost is $165 per couple. For reservations, call 651-487-8250. To view the menu, visit www.comozooconservatory.org.
Orchids at the arb Get your orchid fix at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's "The Great Hall of Orchids: Timeless Beauty" exhibit, which opens Saturday and continues through March 13. The hundreds of orchids, including many unique species and hybrids, were grown by local experts Jerry and Jason Fischer at their Orchids Limited greenhouse in Plymouth.
Orchid lovers can get a sneak peek at the arb's preview party from 5:30 to 8:30 Friday. It includes a gourmet dinner, dessert, silent auction and orchid sales. The Fischers will be available for questions. Cost is $65; $30 dessert only. For reservations, call 952-474-5302 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu. The arboretum is at 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska.
