The girlfriend and I decided to go to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this weekend. She had never been before so she was pretty excited. It was pretty cold that day and the day even began with some drizzling rain which was not looking good, but we decided to go anyway just in case it stopped. The rain did stop by the time we arrived and never started again which was nice, but it was still pretty cold. Unfortunately we had freezing rain a couple of days prior which caused a lot of ice and damaged a lot of the outside plants, but we were still not discouraged. So despite all of that we went in and headed straight for the greenhouse and conservatory. While we were walking around we noticed that we were basically the only ones there and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves and it was quite nice. So we took our time and enjoyed ourselves and this is what we saw... This is the orchid room and there were lots of very beautiful orchids in bloom. These make me want to become a better orchid grower because so all I can do with them is kill them. Anyway, here are a couple of my favorites... Paphiopedilum lowii 'Woodstream' ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) Peristeria pendula ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) Orchid Wall ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) On our way to the next room we found a Christmas Tree that was just a bit different that the normal ones you usually see. It was a tree made from Poinsettias. So naturally we had to take a picture. Poinsettia Tree ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) After the Poinsettia Tree, we headed into the cloud forest room, one of my favorite rooms. Here are a few of my favorite pics from there... Nepenthes gymnamphora ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) Next we headed into the conservatory/rain forest. This is a room which makes you feel very small and you will see why... ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) The Bamboo on the right is about three to four stories tall. ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) On our way out of the Conservatory we spotted this wreath made completely out of Bromeliads. Bromeliad Wreath ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) We were outside wandering around and found this fountain that had been decorated for Christmas and this toy train model city thing. ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) Christmas Flamingos ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) They had Santa tending his sheep. Santa and sheep ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) They even had the Grinch. The Grinch ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) Then while we were walking out we noticed the most beautiful chandelier that I had ever seen. I was a glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. I have seen a couple of his sculptures and I really love his work. I just had to take a picture of it. ( photo / image / picture from FlowerFreak22's Garden ) Well, that was our day at the gardens. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did.
Lovely, and a sight for sore eyes! Thank you for showing all those lovely blooms. Ehm... do they take on boarders? Inside the orchid house? I've got a small tent already.
and double Gosh those orchids are real beauties. I think my favourite has got to be the second one as it looks like a little chickens head is popping out of the centre of it. I was also fascinated by the carnivorous pitcher plants and would have love to have more than just the one that I have. The village scene is a real show stopper - I do like to spend time looking at each little bit of the scenery in these dioramas. Thanks for sharing your day out with us. :-D
Freak, if you ever get to Columbus, Ohio go to the FRanklin Park Conservatory. It is only 8 or 10 blocks from downtown. Several years ago they had a Chihuly exhibit there all summer. It was so popular that they ended up buying it. There were about 200 pieces in it. They regularly have them on display amongst the plant life.
Droopy - I wish cause I would be right there next to you. Eileen - I just noticed the chicken head in the middle of that orchid. I love seeing how others look at things because of those little things that I might miss or to get a new perspective. I absolutely adore pitcher plants. I have a couple myself. I've almost killed one though because I think I over watered it, but I'm currently trying to dry the soil up a bit to see if I can save it cause it is in very bad shape. Capt - Thanks for the info Capt. Looks like I might have to make a trip up there to visit it as I really do love his work and I have never been to Ohio. I bet the Conservatory is pretty amazing also. I think visiting places like this are really fun and exciting.
Beautiful photographs, love the orchids and the Chihuhly piece. I have seen his traveling exhibit here in Knoxville. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely pictures,..and i also love the miniature train world,..i visited Kew Gardens in London twice,..the first time there was a terrific show of a enormous glass sculptures mainly chandeliers,..i am sure it was a Dale Chihuly exhibition.
