The Planting Fields Conservatory
My camera malfunctioned at the end of day one , Garden Bloggers Fling . I have added the point-and-shoot to the Permanent Electronics Packing List . It was somewhat liberating to be camera-less for 2 days of garden touring, but now that I have been liberated once, I don't care to be so again. Thanks to Alison at Bonney Lassie who did in fact have the forethought to pack an extra camera , and kindly allowed me to borrow it for Saxon Holts' photo workshop on Saturday morning. Are there any people better than gardeners ? How splendid it would be if we ruled the world.
The point here is that I was unable to take images at The Hall of Flowers in San Francisco so I am reverting to the previous weekends visit to New York -my camera was fully operational at the Planting Fields Arboretum, and this is my substitute conservatory gig.Over the years I've visited a fair number of conservatory facilities, and it seemed that they were uniformly dusty and ill-maintained spaces , full of mundane plants that were not very well cared for ; San Francisco was no exception. In 1999 an 8 year restoration began on this Victorian landmark, and I am ashamed to say this was my first visit since it reopened . It won't be my last ..and next time I'll have my camera.
So this winding dissertation brings us back to Long Island, and a first rate glass house at the the Planting Fields.
The bromiliad displays were particularly well done, the Spanish moss adding a romantic touch .
All was pristine.
There was a particularly nice Begonia collection.
Nice containers too.
.Love this guy..a cycad Zamia furfuacea maybe ?
The point here is that I was unable to take images at The Hall of Flowers in San Francisco so I am reverting to the previous weekends visit to New York -my camera was fully operational at the Planting Fields Arboretum, and this is my substitute conservatory gig.Over the years I've visited a fair number of conservatory facilities, and it seemed that they were uniformly dusty and ill-maintained spaces , full of mundane plants that were not very well cared for ; San Francisco was no exception. In 1999 an 8 year restoration began on this Victorian landmark, and I am ashamed to say this was my first visit since it reopened . It won't be my last ..and next time I'll have my camera.
So this winding dissertation brings us back to Long Island, and a first rate glass house at the the Planting Fields.
The bromiliad displays were particularly well done, the Spanish moss adding a romantic touch .
All was pristine.
There was a particularly nice Begonia collection.
Nice containers too.
.Love this guy..a cycad Zamia furfuacea maybe ?
It's nice to see another conservatory and it looks very well done. Every rainy winter I wish Portland had a nice warm conservatory to escape to...
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be nice Loree? I wonder if conservatories are even built anymore .
DeleteWhat a fabulous looking place, and the sort of planting that we love!
ReplyDeleteIt had some unique elements, and though relatively small it was one of the nicest I've visited.
DeleteThat was a fabulous conservatory, beautiful and beautifully maintained plants and a great collection. I think they had more bromeliads than I do, LOL. I could have swooned when I walked through the doors. Loved the different levels too. Great pics Kathy!
ReplyDeletec'mon Deanne, NO ONE has more Bromeliads than you do !
DeleteBeautiful conservatory! I was blown away by the conservatory of flowers & you're lucky to live so close!
ReplyDeleteGlad I live close too Peter, I'm plotting a visit when my camera gets out of the hospital ..
DeleteMy group marched through the Planting Fields conservatory fairly quick so I didn't get many shots. These are fabu. Definitely a well done and impeccably maintained garden feature. Although also small, I really enjoy winter trips to the conservatories at Tower Hill. Nice to have an escape relatively close by.
ReplyDeleteIt was easy to get lost there, Marlene was excellent at viewing the map , though we had to ask for directions a couple of times. I wonder if we missed anything ?
DeleteNothing like conservatory porn. You're right, this one was a stunner, as was SF's. Incredibly high levels of maintenance and care in both.
ReplyDeleteGoing back to SF before the clock turns to 2014..but the camera repair is first on the agenda.
Delete