Botanical Fireworks for the Fourth

I don't have any Crotons (Codiaeum ssp. and varieties) right now, and if I'm smart, I won't have any in the future. The longest I've ever been able to keep one is about 2 years. They crave sun, they are constantly thirsty, and they are spider mite magnets. Damned if they aren't beautiful, though.

The following pictures are from the Chicago Botanic Gardens, except for the last, which is from the Lincoln Park Conservatory.


Happy Independence Day!

Field trip: Lincoln Park Conservatory

On Saturday May 1, as part of our day-before-our-anniversary celebration, Bob I and visited the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, before taking in a play. Here is a selection of pictures from the Conservatory.

From the Palm House: Piper crocatum (or P. ornatum--not sure which) climbing a Pandanus veitchii

From the Palm House: Anthurium clarinervium

From the Fern Room

From the Orchid House: Orchids and Bromeliads just hanging around

From the Orchid House: Maxillaria tenuifolia

From the Show House: Hydrangea, part of a temperate garden display

Also from the Show House: You know I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to get a picture of an unusual Hedera helix variety. Love that yellow.

Your blogger and her husband, exhausted after a full day ;-)

Why yes, I am the Queen of the Jungle. You want to make something of it?