Thursday, January 15, 2009

San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers – Part III


The first time I returned to the Conservatory of Flowers after the restorationthe pond in the Aquatic Plants room was filled with huge Victoria amazonica waterlily plants with leaves that could measure up to six feet across. Alas, they are now gone.

 
Victoria amazonica at the Botanical Garden of Jena 

The Conservatory commissioned artist Stephen Hirt to preserve their image. Hirt used real lily pads to cast life-sized glass, bronze and steel sculptures.



Btw, I just learned that those beautiful etched-glass signs I showed you here were also done by Stephen Hirt.

When we left the Aquatic Plants room, we found a couple more orchids. One with the longest stamens I’ve ever seen on an orchid:


Gee, maybe it’s not an orchid. Anyone know?

And this one was just hanging around doing a headstand:


Then we entered the Potted Plants room:


I love this display because it is comprised of house plants that are fairly readily available. There is not one flower here, the camellias are still in bud, yet it is very colorful:



On the other hand, I have never seen a tortoise plant in a retail store:



Amaryllis blooms are gorgeous in any setting, but the perfect container and backdrop sure does wonders:

Another perfect container, this time for the Crown of Thorns:







On the way out I noticed this beautiful wreath of leucadendron epiphytes hanging overhead:


Just outside:




Across the street is a stand of tree ferns:




My sister and I then decided take a brisk walk through the Strybing Arboretum. It was dusk when we returned to the car:

It was getting too dark and we really had to go. We wished we could have stayed longer, but we were very grateful for the opportunity to recharge our souls.

8 comments:

paris parfait said...

Oh, thank you so much for posting these wonderful photos! A lovely sight on this winter's day.

Relyn Lawson said...

And this one was just hanging around doing a headstand. I love it. I love how you turn a phrase and make me smile. I also love how often you go on wonderful, artish adventures that feed the soul. I always read your posts and think, "Take me with you." Of course, you do. I'm so glad I get to travel with you. Right here.

Emily said...

That last photo is really breathtaking. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

beth said...

beautiful.....and recharging is such an important thing to do this time of year!

Ruth said...

Conservatories are an amazing treat, especially in winter. The images are gorgeous.

Thank you so much for your comment about the White House Victory Garden (amid the hubbub at synchronizing). I am glad NPR did a piece on it! I do hope it will take off, I'm pretty sure the Obamas would be open to it. Glad you want to spread the word!

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Tara,
My pleasure entirely! Stay warm.

Dear Relyn,
I'm happy to have you as my travel companion!

Dear Jemm,
I hope you will have a chance to revisit the Conservatory. I like the last photo also. I was surprised it came out as well as it did because it was already quite dark out.

Dear Beth,
Thank you for sharing the experience with me.

Dear Ruth,
Thank you for the idea. Welcome to dutchbaby!

A Cuban In London said...

And the parade of beautiful pictures continues. I am already looking forward to parts IV, V ad infinitum. Methinks that's an orchid. Thanks.

Greetings from London.

Dutchbaby said...

Dear Cuban,
You've revealed one of my many neuroses; I can't seem to leave well enough alone. I hope you'll enjoy the scavenger hunt in the next post. Maybe your kids can help you find some of the items.

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