“ORCHIDS – The World’s Greatest Show” is the theme for this year’s International Orchid Show, back for its 73rd year in Santa Barbara, California.

More than 50 orchid exhibitors and vendors are expected at the three-day event, set for March 9, 10 and 11, 2018, at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California.

The show pays homage to a family of flowering plants that boast 25,000 species. A highlight of this year’s event is the vanilla orchid, which will add “taste” to the list of senses stimulated by the diverse array of plants.

The first Santa Barbara Orchid Show, organized by the Santa Barbara Horticultural Society, took place in 1945 at the Montecito Grange Hall.

(Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara International Orchid Show)