Last month, I had the opportunity to visit the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. This is just an hour south of where I live and yet I have never visited. Since I had a Thursday to play in the city, I decided it was high time I went.
If you have never visited Golden Gate Park it should be on your itinerary the next time you are in San Francisco. There is so much to offer, The DeYoung Museum, The Natural History Museum, The Botanical Gardens, The Japanese Tea Garden…and so much more. I’m sure you could spend 10 days there and not see everything. We parked in the underground parking garage and walked to the conservatory, which for me was a treat, as I hadn’t really see much of the park outside of the museum. The grounds are gorgeous and I think my next trip will be to do some exploring through the Botanical Gardens.
Something you should realize about the conservatory…is that it is super humid hot in there. I mean, muggy, wet, sultry, humid air (had to use multiple adjectives that mean the same because it was that bad). Now some people like that type of “weather”, I am not one of them. Therefore, when I was stuck in the same spot for about 10 minutes with the tour guide, I finally decided to do a self-guided tour. I knew I would move a bit faster than the docent would. Please do not let me discourage you from joining the tour, it is very informational and is free of charge with a volunteer docent.
Confession time: I am not a fan of carnivorous plants. They creep me out. Makes me think of Little Shop of Horrors (which I love), but still, plants shouldn’t eat meat. Despite this, I found myself taking pictures of the pitcher plants, as I didn’t realize there were so many different varieties and sizes.
Orchids were very prominent in the conservatory, some very familiar and others I had never seen before. Yes, that orchid that looks big…is REALLY big! Though not carnivorous, it makes me think of Audrey 2.
Other typical tropical flowers such as bromeliads, anthuriums, and hibiscus could be found throughout as well.
I thought these water lilies were just beautiful and peaceful looking. I could sit and look at them for hours…provided it wasn’t so hot.
The grounds surrounding the conservatory are gorgeous with small gardens scattered around. Of course, I was drawn to the dahlias and succulent areas.
Go see the Conservatory of Flowers on your next visit to San Francisco…I think you will really enjoy it.
