It’s been more than a decade since I haunted the U.S. Botanic Garden in DC, photographing for my book, “A Botanic Garden for the Nation.” There were always plenty of amazing plants to capture my eye (and there still are!), but I found myself returning to the orchids with every visit. How could I resist? Orchids have such extravagant form and color, their sensual beauty draws photographers as easily as pollinators! So it was a treat to wander through the spectacular orchid show at the New York Botanic Garden while visiting my family last week. Orchids, like this tropical Lady Slipper (Paphiopedilum), seemed like old friends. I had to elbow other photographers out of the way, but I had the help of my six-year-old grandson, who buzzed around the orchids like a curious bee.