Grower, Author to Talk First Ladies and Cattleya Orchids

Arthur Chadwick to share the history of first ladies and their namesake orchids and the unique role he’s had in carrying on the tradition.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is presented her namesake cattleya orchid in 2008 by Arthur Chadwick of Virginia-based Chadwick & Son Orchids at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Virginia. (Photo courtesy or Art Chadwick)

The horticultural history of naming orchid hybrids dates back more than a century ago when the practice honored European royalty including Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth. But it wasn’t until 1929 when an orchid was named for a presidential first lady in the United States.

It was former First Lady Lou Hoover, whose husband, Herbert, served as president from 1929-1933. New Jersey orchid grower Joseph Manda and Sons of Bridgeport named the hybrid cattleya “Mrs. Herbert Hoover.” First lady namesake orchids thereafter would use the woman’s name. Much of that tradition continues today thanks to another family orchid grower, Arthur Chadwick of Virginia-based Chadwick & Son Orchids, who has the distinction of naming cattleya hybrids after the last six pres…