The Santa Barbara Orchid Estate

If you missed the Santa Barbara Orchid Show that took place March 12 – 14, you’ll be happy to know that there are still plenty of orchids to be seen in Santa Barbara, California. You can visit the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate!

Home to one of the world's foremost collections of orchid species and hybrids, the SBOE was established in 1957 amidst five acres of beautiful coastal Santa Barbara landscape. SBOE offers to the admirer, occasional hobbyist, budding student of orchids, seasoned grower or avid orchidist alike, a diversity of orchids and an understanding of orchid culture bound to challenge and delight.

Santa Barbara is a natural haven for rare and exotic vegetation, no less than 53 verdant parks and 24,000 public trees, an incredible array of blooming exotic gardens, thousands of acres of manicured landscape, sprawling vineyards, and flowering fields.

SBOE was founded by Robert J. Chrisman and managed by Paul Gripp in 1957. Paul purchased SBOE in 1967, retired in 1986, and currently, his two children, Parry and Alice are owners. Robert Chrisman was an avid gardener throughout his entire life, and found his first orchid at the Thrifty Drug Store in Beverly Hills, California. It was a small three bulb piece of the hardy Mexican Laelia species, Laelia anceps. His collection grew to the point when, upon his retirement in 1957, he moved to Santa Barbara to found his retirement nursery, the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate.

They welcome visitors throughout the year, and if you plan ahead, you can also enjoy their Santa Barbara Orchid Estate International Orchid Fair, Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11, 2010. For the past 29 years The Orchid Fair has drawn orchid growers from around the world, bringing their plants for purchase and sharing their orchid expertise and passion for orchids.

There’s even a place called The Orchid Inn at Santa Barbara where orchid enthusiasts can stay!