Orchid Festival at Shangri La

Orchid lovers - be sure and check out the Orchid Festival at 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. 10 at Shangri La Botanical Gardens in Orange. Orchids are among the world's most beautiful flowers - and make up 20% of all identified plant species, according to Shangri La, which houses many varieties in its Epiphyte House.

Among the events: 10 a.m. - Growing Orchids in the Gulf Coast Area by Jim Butler, accredited judge with the American Orchid Society.

1 p.m. - Orchid Jewels of East Texas by authors Joe Liggio and Ann Orto Liggio.

10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily Oct. 13-17 - Guided tours of the Exhibition Greenhouses.

All events are free for Shangri La members and included in the general admission fee for non-members ($4 for kids, $5 for seniors and $6 adults). Check it out at http://www.shangrilagardens.org/