The recent exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden set the stage for a revival of interest in auriculas, one of the gardener's most treasured plants. Gardeners can be obsessive sorts, and plant collecting is a good release for those "just one more" urges. Flower color and shape can vary hugely, and the dusting of 'farina', a white, powdery coating on stems and leaves and sometimes flower petal, makes them all the more alluring.

The NYBG's Auricula Theater, designed by Lady Salisbury, was built by Christianson Lee Studio of Ridgefield, Connecticut (203/798-0098 or christiansonlee.com).

Photograph courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden