by Lisa Steinkopf | Nov 16, 2022 | begonias, BLOG, Cactus and Succulents, Conservatory, Ferns, Public Gardens
Last week I visited the Circa 1904 Belle Isle Conservatory one last time before it closed Sunday for renovations. The glass on the dome is being replaced and lead paint removed. Looking up in the dome (Picture courtesy of Belle Isle Conservancy) Belle Isle Koi Pond... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Sep 28, 2022 | BLOG, Bromeliads, Ferns, orchids, Public Gardens, Tillandsias
With Hurricane Ian making landfall in Florida this week, I thought about the people it will affect. I can’t imagine what they are going through and my prayers are with them. I then thought about our South Carolina visit in the early 90s after Hurricane Hugo and... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Jul 12, 2022 | BLOG, Conservatory, Ferns, Foliage Houseplants, Houseplant Profile, Public Gardens
When I saw this plant in a conservatory, I thought there was an oak tree growing. I discovered it was the oakleaf basket fern (Dyanaria quercifolia). Quercus is the genus name of oak trees, so quercifolia means the foliage resembles oak leaves. The shield fronds of... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Jan 12, 2022 | BLOG, Conservatory, Houseplant Care, Houseplant Flowers, Public Gardens
Did you receive a holiday plant with bright flowers and succulent, scalloped leaves? It most likely is a Kalanchoe blossfeldiana or Flaming Katy. It is a gorgeous flowering plant and even when it isn’t blooming is an attractive succulent. Yet, with the right... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Sep 14, 2021 | #TuesdayTidbits, BLOG, Conservatory, Foliage Houseplants, Public Gardens
I recently had surgery to fuse some vertebrae in my neck. I have just recently mustered up the courage to look at the scar. It is not attractive in my eyes, but I have been assured this will fade. It has been under wraps which include a neck brace and usually a scarf... 
by Lisa Steinkopf | Aug 3, 2021 | #TuesdayTidbits, BLOG, Cactus and Succulents, Conservatory, Houseplant Atrocities, Public Gardens
Z and M may be in love, but did they have to deface a plant to let everyone know? I don’t think so, but maybe I’m not romantic enough. Or maybe I like plants too much. Or maybe I really believe that plants feel pain, as in The Secret Life of Plants....
