A CORPORATE OASIS

BY THERESA HEACOCK
Special to the Journal

In a downtown office building, an exotic garden has bloomed in the midst of this exceptionally bleak winter. People passing through the lobby of Two Union Square wondered whether they were viewing an art installation or a horticultural exhibit.

What they saw in February were seven types of orchids mounted in antique stone pedestals imported from Indonesia. A variety of vibrant colors combined with several distinct scents. The Oncidium has the slightly sweet scent of vanilla, evoking tropical vacations. On display is the rare Paphiopedilum, notoriously difficult to grow. There is the Cattleya -- a favorite among Victorians -- and the fast-growing Phalaenopsis.

The orchid is making a glamorous comeback.	Indonesian artifacts add their character to this display of exotic orchids at Two Union Square.

The exhibit is curated by Camden Gardens, a specialty horticultural and design firm. Camden Gardens and its clients, which include UNICO Properties, CB Commercial and Nordstrom enjoy taking risks with planting materials.

In December, passers by in One and Two Union Square were treated to the sight of dozens of amaryllis blooming in giant pots.

"People are used to seeing one or two amaryllis. The unusually generous amounts drew quite a response," said Jerry Norris, owner of Camden Gardens. With over twelve years experience in horticultural design and management in downtown Seattle, his work has appeared on the pages of Italian Vogue and Sunset Magazine.

"Orchids are viewed as sophisticated and difficult to grow, but as people learn more about them, that idea is disappearing," he said. " They are increasing in popularity, and some areas of the country are experiencing an orchidmania, as in Victorian times."

In fact, orchids share a long history with civilization, admired for the beauty of their leaves as well as their flowers. Confucius praised the fragrance and beauty of the Imperial Orchids over two thousand years ago. Vanilla essence used in cooking is derived from orchids, and the ancient Greeks were certain of their effect as an aphrodisiac.

Camden Gardens currently services several commercial high-rise properties and office spaces in the downtown area, offering three month, six month, and twelve month blooming orchid programs for offices and residences in the Seattle area.

Such rare beauty is cost effective, according to Norris. "A living plant blooms for weeks or months, much longer in an interior than cut flowers. Our maintenance crews know a great deal about the various plants."

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