Published: - Updated: 2 years ago

Orchids: Natural Beauties

Ron Ciesinski of Monroe, Mich., has 5,000 orchids in his hot houses at Taylor Orchids. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO START SLIDESHOW, VIEW FULL SIZE.

Ron Ciesinski tends to orchid plants at his Taylor Orchids in Monroe, Mich. Ciesinski has been captivated by the delicate blooms for more than 50 years, and his created varieties have been honored by the American Orchid Society.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Ron Ciesinski tends to orchid plants at his Taylor Orchids in Monroe, Mich. Ciesinski has been captivated by the delicate ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Lycaste Jackpot California Wine is among the varieties of orchid at Taylor Orchids in Monroe, Mich. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A Phrag Don Wimber glows in a radiant hue. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Cherry Fudge orchid blossoms look good enough to eat. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Phal Picotee orchid petals have just a kiss of lavender color on the edges. It's a favorite of the greenhouse's owner. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Orchid plants stretch skyward in a hot house at Taylor Orchids in Monroe, Mich. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Orchid show ribbons won by Ron Ciesinski decorate the greenhouse office. "I loved to beat people," says Mr. Ciesinski, 76. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo An LC Drumbeat Heritage orchid resembles an exotic, frilly sea creature. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A sign warns Taylor Orchids greenhouse visitors: "Don't Even Think About It!!!" THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Little yellow bulbs of pollen are nestled inside petals on a Phalaenopsis orchid. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

The peace and joy that tending orchids gives Ron Ciesinski eclipses December’s $2,400 gas bill for heaters that keep the hot houses at 62 degrees.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The peace and joy that tending orchids gives Ron Ciesinski eclipses December’s $2,400 gas bill for heaters that keep ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The name of this orchid is a grand one: C Karae Lyn Sugiyama X Soph Coccinea Grandiflora. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

The pouches on slipper orchids, like this yellow and white one at Taylor Orchids, traps insects and forces them to climb past the staminode, which promotes pollination.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The pouches on slipper orchids, like this yellow and white one at Taylor Orchids, traps insects and forces them to ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Slipper orchids are so named for their resemblance to ladies' footwear or moccasins. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A Sesquipedale orchid at Taylor Orchids looks like it belongs in a starry sky. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo "Happiness is Growing Orchids" declares a sign at Taylor Orchids, which is open for business from 10 a.m. to ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Orchids: Natural Beauties

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