I certainly do not need an excuse to go to my local conservatory, but at holiday time, it is especially nice. I am lucky here in Michigan to have quite a few conservatories within 3 hours of me. My favorite, probably because I spend so much time there, is the Belle Isle Conservatory in Detroit and it is less than 30 minutes away. I also have Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Frederick Meijer in Grand Rapids, and Dow Gardens in Midland. So why should you visit your local conservatory at this time of the year? Here are a few pictures from Belle Isle and Garfield Conservatory in Indianapolis and they will speak for themselves. I visited both of them last week and the displays were amazing. Here is a post from a couple of years ago when I visited Frederick Meijer Gardens during the holiday season. It was magical.
Belle Isle Conservatory
The Belle Isle showroom
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- White poinsettias and cyclamen
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- Showroom wall
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- Pink poinsettia
Not only are there plenty of holiday plants, but many other plants are blooming at this time of year.
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- Blue ginger
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- One of many orchids
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- The fountain is always beautiful
Even though there are a lot of flowers to see, don’t overlook the gorgeous foliage. The red spines of the cactus below with the green skin is stunning. And the sun shining through the monstera leaf……
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- The red spines are beautiful on this cactus
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- Monstera in the palm house
Not only are there beautiful flowers but at this time of the year with the dark days of winter, the humidity and warmth of conservatories cannot be beat. When I walk in my glasses might steam over because of the humidity. The smell of the soil and plants, the humidity you can feel…I love it all.
Garfield Conservatory in Indianapolis
Last Friday I attended a regional meeting of the Garden Communicators Association, of which I am a member, in Indianapolis. We went to a garden center, Newfields for the light show, and then the next day I went to the Garfield Conservatory. It was gorgeous.
A beautiful Christmas tree in the Garfield Conservatory
Poinsettia holiday display at Garfield Conservatory
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- The sun was shining on all the plants
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- ‘Jingle Bells’ poinsettia
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- Pond in the Garfield Conservatory
Not only were there plenty of poinsettias, the orchids, bougainvillea, and cordylines were also blooming.
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- Love this orange orchid
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- Beautiful orchid
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- Red orchid
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- Pink bougainvillea blooming
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- Cordyline in the sun
If you have a conservatory close to you, or even if it is a bit of a drive, it will be worth it. Forget about the holiday rush, the shopping, the decorating, and just take a bit of time to recharge while you wander through a warm plant-filled conservatory. You won’t regret it. Is there a conservatory near you? Tell me about it and if I’m ever in your state, maybe I can visit.
Our garden club took a trip into the city to visit Lincoln Park Conservatory today – what a wonderful break from the bustle to enjoy the collection of wonderful plants and a beautiful holiday display. You are spot on about the value of a trip to a local or far away conservatory. Holiday blessings to you and your family.
Thank you Cathy for sharing and for you blessings. There is nothing like walking into a conservatory when it is cold outside. Holiday blessings to you, as well.