When I was about nine years old, a family acquaintance made my day. He was a very distinguished older gentleman, a banker I believe, and came bearing roses for my great-aunt. He plucked one from the bouquet, turned and handed it to me and said, “a beauty for a beauty.”

It was probably the first time I’d ever received a flower and to this day that memory makes me smile. It’s plain and simple, people like flowers. Their purpose in our lives is pretty obvious: to bring in some beauty and make us smile.

Whole Foods Market® has a one-day sale that will hopefully do just that. Stop by our US and Canadian stores this Friday, April 27, because Phalaenopsis orchids in four-inch pots are on sale for $9.99. Sale valid in our US and Canadian stores, while supplies last. Availability and limits may vary by region, so you can contact your store for details. Most of our stores do not provide rain checks for sales like this. Phalaenopsis (pronounced fayl-eh-NOP-sis) is a scentless multi-bloom variety that comes in a dizzying range of colors.

It’s low-maintenance so it’s perfect for budding orchid aficionados. These plants grow well near bright windows with no direct sun light.

You’ll find more care tips on the American Orchid Society’s website.

Orchids are pretty special plants and not just because of their stunning blooms. Did you know that the orchid family of plants is extremely old, with fossilized evidence dating back more than 15 million years?

They grow in a remarkable range of climate zones: from the equatorial tropics to near the north and south poles. The plant has a practical side as well – vanilla, a common commercial flavoring, owes its origins to the orchid family of plants. Stop by on Friday and pick up a Phalaenopsis orchid for yourself and another for someone else. I assure it will bring a smile to whoever gets to enjoy its beauty.

Are you an orchid lover? What’s your favorite variety?