I can surmise by the tell-tale glow of the timer-lights that my neighbors have all taken off for warmer climes. In need of some heat and humidity I thought I might take a little trip myself. From the photos you're probably thinking Hawaii.
No, I decided on St. Paul.
I'm ashamed to say that after two years and three winters in Minnesota, I had yet to visit the Como Park Conservatory. With all their marketing about poinsettia displays, I just expected a bedding display of annual flowers, albeit in a beautiful glasshouse. I was wrong, it was a Victorian-style plant collector's fantasy. And it was warm.
Gorgeous orchids from the days previous orchid show The Garden Buzz
Bird's Nest Fern bigger than you average houseplant-size specimen
Unusual bromeliads The Garden Buzz
A pineapple grows in St Paul The Garden Buzz
Umbrella-like leaves of philodendron The Garden Buzz
Just like the jungle cruise at Disneyland The Garden Buzz
The requisite koi-pond picture The Garden Buzz
In the Sunken Garden of the Marjorie Mc Neely Conservatory. I couldn't help but appreciate that all the visitors wore red and pink with their dark clothing, it all coordinated perfectly in the picture. What a coincidence!
A view of the symmetrical structure of the building and the plantings
Dipping a toe....
A lovely waterfall in the Tropical Encounters area. It would have been nice if someone had told me that a humongous snake was just around the corner. I didn't stop long enough to take a photo. Just take my word.
