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Garden Blogger’s Fling: Part 3

July 11, 2013

I can’t believe its taken three posts just to cover day one of the Garden Blogger’s Fling. You’re in luck, though, because my camera ran out of batteries halfway through the second day, and I didn’t have a backup. Beginner’s mistake, I know.

The culmination of our first day garden-hopping was dinner at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, a place that is definitely more my speed. Orchids, pitcher plants – throw in some cocktails and tapas and I’m in heaven.

Garden Blogger's Fling at the San Francisco ConservatoryCocktails at the San Francisco Conservatoryat the San Francisco Conservatory
Some fantastic-looking Dendrobiums
Paphiopedilum orchids at the San Francisco Conservatory

Paphiopedilum lowii
.
Beetle pollinated yellow orchids at the San Francisco Conservatory

The docent told us the blooms on this orchid never opens more this – inside, the sexual organs mimic the behind of a certain kind of female beetle, tricking males into pollinating it. I didn’t catch the name of it, and I couldn’t find any information about beetle-pollinated orchids once I got home, so any help identifying it would be welcomed.

Dracula orchids at the San Francisco Conservatory
What I believe is a Dracula carderi. This genus of orchids was in full bloom during our visit.
Purple orchids at the San Francisco ConservatoryStrophanthus preussii at the San Francisco Conservatory
An unidentified purple orchid and the fantastic  Strophanthus preusii, often called “spider tresses”.
Huernia zebrina at the San Francisco Conservatory

Words don’t really do justice to the greatness of the San Francisco Flower Conservatory  – you could spend hours spotting hundreds of hidden gems, and no visit is ever the same (this is my second). Every square inch is occupied by horticultural treasures. Take, for example, this Huernia zebrina, hanging high up in the rafters.

at the San Francisco ConservatoryNepenthes at the San Francisco Conservatory Nepenthes at the San Francisco ConservatoryNepenthes at the San Francisco Conservatory

And speaking of hanging, don’t even get me started on the Nepenthes up in here! I was beside myself. Above left is a Nepenthes bicalcarata, baring its striking fangs, and, right, what I believe is a Nepenthes mirabilis? The other two are unknown to me.

Variegated Nepenthes at the San Francisco ConservatorySarracenia at the San Francisco Conservatory

Check out this variegated Nepenthes. Could I be any more in love? Could I use any more italics? It’s almost too good to be true – one of my favorite plants in my absolute favorite pattern. A variegated Nepenthes is definitely at the top of my wish list.

In addition to all this, the conservatory’s popular Butterflies & Blooms exhibit was going on during our visit.

Butterfly chrysalises at the San Francisco Conservatory

Monarch chrysalides in the nursery. Look at their stunning gold markings.
White butterfly on flower at the San Francisco Conservatory
What I believe is a common cabbage butterfly.
Dinner at the San Francisco Conservatory

Dinner was held in a large event hall behind the conservatory, and it was amazing. I can’t say enough about the great job the Fling organizers (Kelly of Floradora Gardens and Andrea of Grow Where You’re Planted) did. After a 14-hour first day, though, it sure felt great to get back to the hotel and curl up in those crisp white sheets.

Photos © Delen Kitchen

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5 Comments


Scott Weber
July 11, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Reply

Wasn’t it just the perfect setting for the dinner…so much to explore before getting to enjoy a nice meal…but yes…I was EXHAUSTED by the end of that day!



Peter/Outlaw
July 11, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Reply

Gorgeous glass house beautifully restored and full of wonders. Could it get any better than that? What a great time !



    plantpropaganda
    July 11, 2013 at 1:12 PM
    Reply

    I have to agree with both of you! Portland needs to get a giant conservatory like this. I’m going to move back and start one. Who’s with me?

Colleen
August 21, 2014 at 2:02 PM
Reply

The orchid in question is commonly called a “Tulip Orchid,” but it’s proper name is Anguloa. Beautiful, isn’t she?

Just stumbled upon your blog, it is lovely!

Warm Regards,
Colleen

http://colleenrochette.wordpress.com/



    plantpropaganda
    August 21, 2014 at 6:32 PM
    Reply

    Thanks for the ID, Colleen! Clearly you know your stuff. 😉

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