The Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing welcomed its 13th installment of “Taiwan: A World of Orchids” last weekend, presenting a colorful array of rare orchids and other flower species in its art gallery throughout the two-day event and symbolizing both the charm and tenacity of Taiwanese culture.

QBG partnered with Taiwan Garden and the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (TOGA) to present this year’s exhibit, importing nearly 500 orchids directly from Taiwan in addition to 500 that were on display at the garden.

Founded in 2001, TOGA is the most representative organization of Taiwan’s orchid industry, with members spanning breeders, cultivators, exporters and related sectors.

An orchid display for photo ops during the preview event. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
An elephant sculpture adorned with flowers by Rachel Cho Floral Design. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Orchids inside a boat next to the QBG Visitor and Administration Building. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

The outdoor display included a 6-foot-tall elephant sculpture adorned with flowers and moss by Rachel Cho Floral Design, as well as a boat filled with orchids and other flowers sitting atop the water fountain outside the QBG visitor and administration building.

Inside, more flower displays spanning entire walls draped over frames and tree branches, inviting visitors into immersive exhibits curated by artists including Isaac Yu, Muchen Wang, Luqi Liu, Yasunari Onodera, Non Charoenwattananon and Naomi Chan.

Several hands-on workshops were also hosted over the weekend, including topics such as Ikebana, jelly flower art, dough figurine art and orchid care, as well as traditional tea ceremonies and a Chinese diabolo demonstration.

An orchid display inside the QGB visitor center. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Orchids draped over a folding screen inside the QGB art gallery. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

QBG Ambassador Pauline Huang co-founded the orchid show in 2014 and has since spearheaded the annual exhibit by connecting with vendors, bringing sponsors to the garden and curating beautiful displays each and every year.

“Over the years, we have discovered that the orchid can do much more than simply look beautiful,” Huang said. “We have paired them with cuisine, cocktails, cultural presentation, and, this year, with the creativity of art in collaboration with the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association. So, after 13 years, I think we can officially say we have found many ways to make the orchid work over time.”

QBG Ambassador Pauline Huang, who spoke at the preview event on Friday. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

Attendees of a preview event on Friday, Aug. 21, enjoyed the display early, watching a few art demonstrations and trying various Taiwanese foods while they viewed the orchids both inside and outside the QBG’s visitor center.

Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director of the garden, said TOGA and its partners did a beautiful job putting the exhibit together in only a few days leading up to the event, which she said was a testament to their hard work and dedication to bringing their vision to the garden.

“Congratulations to all of us for being here today for this wonderful event,” Hantzopoulos said to attendees during the preview. “We’re so happy to celebrate ‘Taiwan: A World of Orchids.’”

Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director of QBG, delivered remarks at the event. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

David Wu, founder of Taiwan Garden, said the annual display has become an important part of the local Queens community, but this year has extended its meaning even further due to the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration.

He emphasized the important trade relationship between Taiwan and the U.S., noting the U.S. is the largest single market for moth orchid exports from Taiwan. Over 40% of those global exports from Taiwan go to the U.S.

“You can see how popular the Taiwan moth orchids are to Americans, and we believe it will keep growing and growing through our efforts,” Wu said. “I am grateful and amazed by the QBG team and the many volunteers and sponsors.”

David Wu, founder of Taiwan Garden, who spoke of the importance of Taiwan and the United States’ trade relationship. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

Chiling Tong, president and CEO of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, and founding president of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), noted that the orchid is Taiwan’s most beautiful and internationally recognized flower. 

However, to Tong, the orchid is more than just a flower — it is a symbol of patience, care and resilience.

“It represents Taiwan’s culture, creativity and craftsmanship, and especially innovation,” she said. “It’s soft and brings the touch of Taiwan to all the people.”

Chiling Tong, president and CEO of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, and founding president of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF). Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

Elected officials from Queens also supported the QBG orchid exhibit, including State Assembly members Nily Rozic and Dave Weprin, Council Member Sandra Ung, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Weprin, Ung and Rozic, along with her two children, were in attendance at the preview event, expressing their gratitude to QBG and curators of the exhibit for sharing the beauty of the Taiwanese orchid with the Queens community.

Elected officials join QBG staff during the preview event. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

“It’s always nice to see a place like Flushing, especially in New York City, celebrate a bit of Taiwan’s culture,” said Ung, who grew up in Taiwan.

Rozic, whom Hantzopoulos said has been supporting QBG since the first day she stepped into office, said the garden always makes what she calls “orchid-fest” an incredible celebration each year.

“It’s a real privilege and honor to represent the garden, a place I’ve been coming to since I was a young child,” Rozic said. “Now, to bring my own family here is just even sweeter.”

QBG staff, presenters and elected officials cut a cake in celebration of this year’s orchid show. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

Weprin shared that he has a sentimental attachment to the garden because his own mother, Sylvia Weprin, served on the QBG board as vice chair for years before she died in 2023.

During his time serving on the City Council, Weprin recalled a trip he and other council members took to Taiwan in 2004 for the opening of Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building at the time, during which he visited orchid displays.

“The Queens Botanical Garden is our own special treasure,” he said. “I’ve been to this orchid festival each and every year since the beginning, and hopefully I will continue to as long as I’m invited back.”

Assembly Member Dave Weprin, whose late mother, Sylvia Weprin, served on the QBG board as vice chair for years. Photo by Renee DeLorenzo

In addition to presenters QBG, Taiwan Garden and TOGA, sponsors included the Overseas Community Affairs Council, China Airlines, Sheraton LaGuardia Hotel, Linda Fashion Accessories, Lin and Loveall Foundation, Ace Trading, MuseConnect, Michael Bronstein, Rainbow Care Pharmacy, U Ni Rice, Ellen Fan, Ponnie Pai, Jenny Chan, Li Li, Michael Kuo, Rose Pong, Swimming Wu, Michelle and Richard Eng, Randy Lin, Steven Yun and Sherry Yang.

For more information about upcoming events at QBG, visit QueensBotanical.org.
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo
Photo by Renee DeLorenzo