Arthur Chadwick gave Cambodian Princess Norodom Yin Tea her names ...The cattleya species is considered "Queen of the Orchids" due to its frilly, feminine and fragrant characteristics. It grows in Central and South America.
By ARTHUR CHADWICK
Published: February 26, 2011
The royal couple had scheduled a Sunday morning meditation at the Quan Am Phat Dien Buddhist temple in Chesterfield County.
Nearly all major orchid genera are represented in the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia except one — the glamorous, large-flowered cattleya species, which grow exclusively in Central and South America. This delicate blossom is considered "Queen of the Orchids" due to its frilly, feminine and fragrant characteristics.
The color white has great significance in Cambodian lore — representing goodness, purity and perfection.
It seemed like destiny when we checked our greenhouse inventory and found a grouping of large white cattleya seedlings scheduled to bloom the weekend of the visit by the prince and princess. The hybrid is a direct offspring from the most famous white "stud plant" of all time, Cattleya Bow Bells, which was bred in 1945.
The big moment came without any entourage, special attire or grand entrance. The prince and princess arrived humbly by car from their home in Connecticut.
The future queen said she was greatly flattered and wished that she spoke better English so as to express her gratitude more clearly.
Prince Norodom Yuvaneath took me aside and spoke at length about his 30 years in this country and enjoyment of the American way of life. He then asked me a profound question: "Who do you consult when faced with an important decision?" I thought about all the possible answers, ranging from religious to familial. He then answered for me. "You listen to your heart." I left fully enlightened.
At the princess' request, the name of the orchid hybrid — Cattleya Queen Yinneka Norodom — was modified to reflect humility. The title queen was removed, and she requested that her maiden name be used.
Arthur Chadwick is president of Chadwick & Son Orchids Inc. Reach him at 1240 Dorset Road, Powhatan, VA 23139; (804) 598-7560; or by e-mail at info@chadwickorchids.com, Previous columns are on his website, www.chadwickorchids.com.
By ARTHUR CHADWICK
Published: February 26, 2011
The royal couple had scheduled a Sunday morning meditation at the Quan Am Phat Dien Buddhist temple in Chesterfield County.
Nearly all major orchid genera are represented in the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia except one — the glamorous, large-flowered cattleya species, which grow exclusively in Central and South America. This delicate blossom is considered "Queen of the Orchids" due to its frilly, feminine and fragrant characteristics.
The color white has great significance in Cambodian lore — representing goodness, purity and perfection.
It seemed like destiny when we checked our greenhouse inventory and found a grouping of large white cattleya seedlings scheduled to bloom the weekend of the visit by the prince and princess. The hybrid is a direct offspring from the most famous white "stud plant" of all time, Cattleya Bow Bells, which was bred in 1945.
The big moment came without any entourage, special attire or grand entrance. The prince and princess arrived humbly by car from their home in Connecticut.
The future queen said she was greatly flattered and wished that she spoke better English so as to express her gratitude more clearly.
Prince Norodom Yuvaneath took me aside and spoke at length about his 30 years in this country and enjoyment of the American way of life. He then asked me a profound question: "Who do you consult when faced with an important decision?" I thought about all the possible answers, ranging from religious to familial. He then answered for me. "You listen to your heart." I left fully enlightened.
At the princess' request, the name of the orchid hybrid — Cattleya Queen Yinneka Norodom — was modified to reflect humility. The title queen was removed, and she requested that her maiden name be used.
Arthur Chadwick is president of Chadwick & Son Orchids Inc. Reach him at 1240 Dorset Road, Powhatan, VA 23139; (804) 598-7560; or by e-mail at info@chadwickorchids.com, Previous columns are on his website, www.chadwickorchids.com.
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