Don’t be put off by exotic names like dendrobium, phalaenopsis, cattleya or oncidium. These are some of the most beautiful flowering plants in the world.

On Thursday, March 7, in an event co-sponsored by the Sandhills Horticultural Society and Sandhills Council of Garden Clubs, Jeff Baldwin, from the Orchid Gallery, in Pittsboro, will share his expertise on orchids.

The program begins at 10 a.m. at Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, Ball Visitors Center.

Baldwin has an interactive presentation and welcomes questions from the audience. He’ll discuss what to look for when buying an orchid and how to care for the plant at home.

Baldwin graduated from NCSU’s School of Forestry and started growing orchids in 1991.

The Orchid Gallery sells orchids, rents them for special events and even boards orchids for owners who want a guarantee they will bloom again and again.

A selection of orchids will be available for sale following the presentation.

The program is free, but space is limited. Call Tricia Mabe at (910) 695-3882 to reserve a seat.