Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Before heading out for the day, we enjoyed a Flag Day celebration right on the grounds of the Elk Lodge where we are camped out.  Patriotic music accompanied presentations of the country’s seven flags (do you know them all?) by local scouts along with the history of each flag.  It was a great moment of patriotism in a time of political chaos.

We then went to one of the best conservatory/botanical gardens we have visited. 

 The Phipps is “recovering” from the bloom of Romero, the corpse plant, a most malodorous plant.  Signs everywhere tell of its uniqueness. 

 This is a view of the interior of the plant where seeds for future blooms are created and fertilized.  In this bloom the seeds were not fertilized so the dead will not rise again.

Fourteen different rooms and gardens showcase a broad range of plants and cultures.

Rube Goldberg has some charming devices performing amidst the plants.

Stick figures wade in ponds near beautiful orchids.

Butterflies flit among blossoms.

One room is dedicated to African villages.  This is a passport mask, allowing the bearer to travel to areas outside his native village.

More tribal art stands with plants from Africa.

These “flowers” spin and throw off water.

Glass artist Dale Chihuly has several installations.

The label copy in the gardens does an excellent job of providing good information.

There are many places specifically for children.