Flower Power: Professor Todd Zimmerman's orchids earn blue ribbons at International Flower Show

C.W. Post Professor Todd Zimmerman of the Biology Department won two ribbons in the 24th New York International Orchid Show at Rockefeller Center in New York City on April 14, 2004. He won a blue ribbon for a large tropical orchid (Schomburgkia tibiscinis) that is rarely grown in the New York area because of its size and need for high light levels. The other plant, a Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium Sweet Sugar), which received a second-place ribbon, was purchased for $8 at a Trader Joe's grocery store in Los Angeles and grown on a coconut husk. A highly popular flower with gardeners, orchids are also important to science - as case studies in evolution and as "poster children to represent our declining levels of biodiversity," Professor Zimmerman said. He hopes to use the C.W. Post Miracle-Gro Greenhouse to look into the long-term effects of his growing methods on orchid health and growth. "I don't want to find the way to grow the biggest and best orchid," he said. "I want to find the way to grow and bloom an average-sized orchid the easiest way possible under the most diverse conditions."