Again going back to my days of slide photography (since digitized), I'd like to share some scenes from Como Park which was envisioned as an outdoor haven for the area's urban population. It sure is — even inside!

One of the attractions that I especially enjoyed was the Conservatory. When the frigid winds were blowing outside, one could enter the Conservatory and find delicate tropical flowers to warm your soul.

These delicate flowers were dancing in the room where the orchids grow. Note that the audience was bundled up with heavy coats since it was winter and the bitter cold was waiting for us outside.

And here is one of those orchids now — a Cattleya Orchid. Maybe this is where I got that itch to go to Hawai’i.

Cattleya Orchids come in a variety of different colors due to hybridization. Although this one appears to be solid yellow, you might note some green veining in spots.

Sometimes it almost seems like the flowers are competing for the "most beautiful" award. I'd give a trophy to all of them.

Cattleyas need light, but not direct sunlight; thus they can thrive in this conservatory environment. And obviously, they can also thrive in Hawai’i as long as shade is available naturally or artificially.

Cattleyas are also very popular as corsages for proms and weddings.

I also like the ruffled fringes on these orchids — nice dramatic difference compared to other flowers like roses.

I know that I have seen this variety at the Maui County Fair Orchid Show but I don't recall the name. Oh well, enjoy it nonetheless.

Last for today is a Bird of Paradise flower, native to South Africa but commonly seen in Hawai’i and other tropical areas. We even have them in our local Lowes Garden Center — yes, they will thrive in Arizona if you treat them right.