We geeked out at the SF Conservatory of Flowers during a Nuts and Bolts after-hours tour.
Indoor reflective pond.
You have to love their indoor pond in the Aquatic Plants wing. It helps me remember the summer heat and humidity that I enjoyed back in Wisconsin, and only a short walk from our SF home. Hey check out those gorgeous Nepenthe species on the left just dangling above the waterline.
Original nursery behind the Conservatory.
Their greenhouses are located right behind the main building, and off limits to the public. Here new plants acclimatize, and old plants convalesce. A lot of the main building has been refurbished (safety reasons), but these greenhouses are still part of the original kit used to build the conservatory.
Original building.
The Conservatory of Flowers was first opened to the public in 1879. Today they boast being the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. Above is a detail of the original Victorian architecture. It looks like there are inches of paint on this baby.
Amongst the pond lilies.
Lastly, we saw the boiler that heats the whole place including, my fave, the aquatic pond. I forget how intrigued I am with irrigation and plumbing.
The sun set behind the Conservatory.
Quick shout out to SF Bromeliad Society for setting up the afterhours tour…you rock!
– Far Out Flora
June 25, 2010 at 10:10 am
The pitchers look awesome reflecting in the water. Nice shots
June 25, 2010 at 10:33 am
Love the Pitcher Plants!! Just got my first one and am going to try and propagate it for a friend at work…it’s just the coolest little thing!
June 28, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Love the coolness that comes out of these awesome photos, very evocative.
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