The Art of Orchids

Linda Marston-Reid

Exploring your own neighborhood can surprise you. For the past year I’ve driven past a discrete sign on the road that spelled out, “La Encantada.” This morning following the dirt road that led to the La Encantada I discovered it is a botanical garden filled with native orchids from the state of Oaxaca.

Octavio Gabriel Suarez has created a wonderland where visitors can wander through winding paths, seeing wild orchids that are native to the state of Oaxaca. Some are so small that details are better seen with a magnifying glass, which Gabriel thoughtfully hands out before you begin your tour. He has tended the orchids and garden for over 40 years. The garden is privately funded through donations and a small admission fee for the ongoing care of the garden.

A small suspended bridge continues the winding paths throughout the garden.

Visitors to the Orquideario La Encantada can purchase Octavio Gabriel’s book, Algunas Orquideas de Oaxaca, directly from him onsite.

All photos copyright © 2022: Linda Marston-Reid

Published by Linda Marston-Reid

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