With the cold snap on in the western U.S., and the heat temporarily off in our home pending repairs, the Saturday after Thanksgiving found us heading for the warmth of conservatories. Last night’s temp inside the house was 57 (Fahrenheit), so it’s not that cold, but it’s not that comfortable either.
When I stepped through the doors of the Huntington’s conservatory, where their most exquisitely sensitive specimens are housed, it felt as though we were on the heels of Rousseau.
Henri Rousseau never set foot in a jungle, but he did spend many afternoons in Paris’ botanical gardens and conservatories. He described his frequent visits to the Jardin des Plantes: “When I go into the glass houses and I see the strange plants of exotic lands, it seems to me that I enter into a dream.”
I usually rush by the cactus tables, but not this time. It was warm inside, so I lingered, circling the tables again and again.
Ok Denise ,2nd from the bottom ..ID ?? I’m overcome with neediness …
It is often high 50’s in winter inside, I turn the heat off at night. But I’ve kept it at 64 all weekend inside. It’s a holiday !
Kathy, isn’t that something? I think it’s a form of S. kirkii. Here’s San Marocs link but showing a different color bloom. http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2111
Wow Denise, here I thought your writing was your only talent. Silly me. These photographs are amazing. Stunning.
Grace, I have to admit the light in the conservatory was perfect. I didn’t have the same luck outdoors though.
And here I was starting to feel bad for you suffering with no heat! But the fact that you can get relief at the Huntington makes it an entirely different situation. I mean its not like you had to resort to going to the mall.
Thanks to Kathy for asking about id on that amazing plant, I was wondering if you would know what it is.
Loree, I didn’t write down ID’s on the cactus, so I thought it best just to leave names off for everything. Kathy was right to call me on this one! Hope the cold snap is almost over for you up in Portland too.
makes me want to get up to the huntington again soon! last time i think i spent the whole time outside, wandering the pathways. love your allusion to rousseau. now i need to learn more about him! thanks!
(woops, gave you the wrong address for my website. this one has correct one. sorry!)