- Author: Jennifer Hansford
Themed Plant Collections in 8 Glasshouses
INCREDIBLE! That was my first thought at seeing the Glasshouse Complex at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. Which boasts 8 glasshouses, each housing captivating themed plant collections. I could not wait to explore each one of them!
Orchid Conservatory:
This glasshouse is dedicated to a diverse collection of orchids species showcasing their diverse forms each with its unique colors, shapes, and patterns.
The environment inside the glasshouse is carefully controlled to mimic the ideal conditions for orchids. It provides the right balance of humidity, temperature, and light to support their growth.
As I explored, I was surrounded by vibrant orchids in full bloom.
The Orchid Conservatory also educates visitors about the fascinating world of orchids. I learned about their life cycles, pollination mechanisms, and ecological significance.
Carnivorous Plant House:
I stepped into a mysterious world where plants devour insects! The Carnivorous Plant House features pitcher plants, Venus flytraps, and sundews. These fascinating botanical predators thrive in nutrient-poor soils by capturing their prey.
These unique plants have evolved to capture and digest insects as a source of nutrients. They thrive in nutrient-poor environments where other plants struggle.
Carnivorous Plant Collection:
Pitcher Plants: These plants have specialized leaves that form pitcher-like structures. Insects are lured into these pitchers, where they become trapped and eventually digested by enzymes.
Venus Flytraps: Iconic for their rapid-snapping traps, Venus flytraps close around unsuspecting insects when triggered by touch.
Sundews: These plants have sticky, glandular hairs on their leaves. When an insect lands on them, the hairs curl, ensnaring the prey.
Why do they eat insects? Carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-deficient soils. By consuming insects, they supplement their diet with essential elements like nitrogen and phosphorous
Bromeliad Pavilion:
A tropical paradise!
These fascinating plants belong to a family of approximately 2,400 species, primarily found in the tropical Americas. They come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Shadehouse Setting: Unlike a traditional glasshouse, the Bromeliad Pavilion provides a shaded environment that mimics the natural conditions where bromeliads thrive. It's a haven for these unique plants.
Year-Round Beauty: The displays are meticulously maintained and updated throughout the year to showcase the bromeliads that are currently at their best.
Water Lily Pavilion:
Here, I found elegant water lilies floating on serene pools. Their broad leaves and blossoms create a calming oasis. Keep an eye out for the elusive Victoria amazonica, with leaves that can support the weight of a small child!
Plant Diversity: The pavilion shelters over 100 species of aquatic plants, including those that thrive at the edges of rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and marshes.
Water lilies and lotus plants are the stars of this aquatic show.
Victoria Amazonica: One special attraction is the extra-large leafed Victoria amazonica. This giant water lily hails from South America. Its leaves are capable of holding the weight of a small child! Imagine standing on a lily pad—it's quite a sight.
Colorful Blooms: As you explore the pavilion, you'll encounter a colorful array of water lilies and lotus flowers. Their blossoms float serenely on the water's surface.
It's a peaceful spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Fern House:
I ventured into the cool Fern House, where lush green fronds unfurl. Ferns, with their intricate patterns, thrive in this humid environment.
The Fern House showcases an impressive collection of fern species.
These ancient plants have delicate fronds that unfurl gracefully and thrive in this cool, shaded environment.
Aroid Gallery:
A feast for foliage lovers! The Aroid Gallery celebrates plants from the Araceae family. Marvel at monsteras, anthuriums, and the iconic Swiss cheese plant.
Araceae Family: The Araceae family, also known as the aroid family, includes a wide range of fascinating plants.
These plants are characterized by their unique foliage, often glossy and lush.
As you step into the Aroid Gallery, you'll encounter some iconic members of this family:
Monsteras: Known for their large, fenestrated leaves (with holes or splits).
Anthuriums: With their heart-shaped, colorful spathes (modified leaves) surrounding a spike (spadix).
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa): Famous for its hole-riddled leaves.
Philodendrons: Diverse in shape and size, these climbing or trailing plants are popular houseplants.
Leaf Shapes and Sizes: The Aroid Gallery showcases an array of leaf forms—some broad and palm-like, others deeply lobed or arrow-shaped.
Look closely at the intricate veining and patterns on these leaves.
Tropical Vibes: The glasshouse provides a warm, humid environment, reminiscent of tropical rainforests where aroids naturally thrive.
It's like stepping into a mini jungle!
Desert Succulent Pavilion:
The Desert Succulent Pavilion showcases resilient cacti, agaves, and euphorbias. These water-wise plants have adapted to survive harsh conditions, storing moisture in their thick stems and leaves.
Plant Collection:
Cacti: These desert dwellers hail from arid regions of America, including Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. Their unique shapes, spines, and ability to store water make them true survivors.
Agaves: These succulents also thrive in arid climates. Their thick, fleshy leaves store water, allowing them to withstand drought.
Arid Beauty: As you explore the pavilion, you'll encounter a fascinating array of cacti and agaves. Some have intricate patterns, while others boast imposing spines.
The Desert succulents have evolved remarkable adaptations to survive in harsh conditions. Their water-storing tissues and reduced leaf surfaces help them thrive where rainfall is scarce.
Educational Experience: I learned about the unique biology and ecology of these desert plants.
Tropical Rainforest House:
The Tropical Rainforest House replicates the dense vegetation of tropical jungles. Towering palms, philodendrons, and epiphytic orchids thrive here, creating a canopy.
The Tropical Rainforest House within the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG) is the largest conservatory in the Glasshouse Complex.
Size and Setting: The Tropical Rainforest House covers an impressive 1,000 square meters with a soaring height of 33 meters.
It's designed to recreate the lush environment of a southern Thai rainforest.
Tropical Species: Inside, you'll find a diverse collection of tropical plants, including Palms, Bananas, and Gingers.
Humidity and Greenery: The glasshouse maintains high humidity, mimicking the rainforest's moist conditions.
Towering palms, broad leaves, and hanging vines create a dense, green canopy.
Educational Experience: I learned about rainforest ecosystems, plant adaptations, and the vital role rainforests play in our planet's health.
I enjoyed spent hours exploring the 8 glasshouse each having its' unique theme. However, out of all them my favorite was the Desert Succulent Pavilion.
/span>- Author: Erin Mahaney
A native groundcover with brilliant, red, trumpet-shaped flowers? Yes, please! When we re-landscaped our backyard a few years ago, the landscaper suggested a California fuchsia, Epilobium 'Everett's Choice,' as a groundcover in a few locations. Unfortunately, the plant didn't thrive in my backyard, but it's worth considering in other locations.
First, what is the scientific name of this plant? It largely depends on the age of the source that you read. The modern scientific name for California fuchsia is Epilobium canum. In that past, however, the plant was placed in the genus Zauschneria, which is still used by horticulturists and others. You will see either name used in nurseries and online.
The variety that of California fuchsia that I planted (‘Everret's Choice') is a low-growing perennial with grey-green, narrow-leaved foliage. Its bright red, 1.5” flowers bloom in late summer through fall and attract hummingbirds. The plant spreads by rhizomes to 6” high and is said to reach about 4-5' wide, although my plants remained a bit smaller. Other varieties of California fuchsia vary in size (up to 3' tall) and color, including bright orange (‘Orange Carpet'), white (‘Summer Snow'), and coral pink (‘Solidarity Pink').
California fuchsia is heat tolerant, but prefers full sun near the coast and part shade in hotter inland areas. The plant is also drought tolerant and can withstand low water in the summer, but it looks better with a bit of summer water. It is semi-deciduous in the winter and, in my yard, goes completely dormant at that time of year. When it starts to look straggly and ratty in late fall or early winter, I cut it back hard to the ground (about 1-2”) and wait for it to regrow. (Taller varieties should be lightly sheared back.) Common uses include as a groundcover, on hillsides for erosion control, edging pathways, spilling out of beds, and as a nectar source.
In many ways, California fuchsia ticked many boxes that interested me, including being a native species, an important nectar source, and drought tolerant. But after the two years, the plant didn't thrive. It simply faded away in one location and disappeared. In the other location, it is alive, but not thriving. I have a few theories. First, once I removed low fencing in one location to protect the plants from the dogs, the dogs stomped all over it. Second, perhaps regular water via drip irrigation is too much summer water for this drought tolerant plant? It's just a theory and I have no evidence at this point. Third, perhaps after the yard filled in, one location became slightly shadier. I still estimate that the location gets 6 hours of sun, so I think this is the weakest theory. Anyway, in the right dog-free location, California fuchsia is worth a try if you are interested in a late-blooming, drought-tolerant California native.
- Author: Michelle Krespi
As I walked through the garden yesterday, shooting out between the rocks was a pretty light pink flower I hadn't seen before. It was Hyacinthus orientalis, the herald of spring! This flowering perennial has many common names which include: Garden Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth or Dutch Hyacinth and resides in the Asparagaceae family. It is a native to Southwestern Asia, southern & central Turkey, Northwestern Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. It originated in the Eastern Mediterranean but is cultivated everywhere in the temperate world.[1] It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century but didn't became popular until the 18th century.
Common Hyacinth has many interesting characteristics beginning with its name. Hyacinth, in Greek mythology, was a man who was admired by both Apollo and Zephyr, but was killed in a jealous fight between the two Gods. From his blood emerged a flower that was named after him. Upon researching this plant, I discovered that it came in a myriad of colors from deep indigo, bright magenta, fuchsia, purple, white and light pink like the one in my garden pictured here that is just emerging.[2] (Note the rocks it is emerging from!) All the existing cultivars are derived from this species. This genus has three species of bulbous perennials that were found growing on rocky limestone slopes and cliffs 8,200ft up in Asia. They are cultivated for their loose to dense flowers. A standout characteristic of this beauty is its heady fragrance. This is why the plant is commonly grown for perfumes as well as its ornamental value due to the sheer beauty of the flowers they produce. When planted in full sun the plant reaches from 6” to 20” high and spreads from 2.5” to 4” wide. It produces fat spikes of bell-shaped flowers that grow from basil (at base) bundles of narrow bright green leaves. The semi-erect basal leaves are 6” to 14” long. They are strap-shaped, channeled, glossy, and dark green. They can be found growing in containers, beds, borders and in rock gardens as pictured in the two images above, showing the emerging flowers that grow as dense racemes.[3] The racemes[4] grow up to 8” long and are closely packed with tubular-bell-shaped single or double flowers, .75”-1.5” long. It is advised to plant the bulbs before the ground freezes. Plant in organically enriched, sandy well drained soil. For larger bulbs, plant 4”-5” apart and 5” deep. For smaller bulbs plant 3” deep, 4”-5” apart in the autumn. Be warned when handling, these bulbs have invisible barbs that can cause itching with some people, therefore it's always advisable to wash your hands before touching your face or eyes. If you plan to keep your bulbs in the ground fertilize as the blooms fade, removing the spent spikes and watering regularly until the foliage yellows. If you are planting in containers, use a porous mix of potting soil with the tip of the bulb near the surface. Cover this soil with a thick layer of mulch of sawdust, wood shavings or peat moss. This will help keep the bulbs cool, shaded, and moist until you start to see top growth. Once that happens remove the mulch and pace in full sun.[5]
Another approach is to force the bulb into early growth for indoor display in the winter. To do this plant them with the tips just showing in a container filled with soil based potting mix, making sure the container has drainage holes. Store in a dark place with a temperature range from above freezing to no higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 weeks, allowing for root development. When the shoots reach 1” long, gradually increase both light and temperature. Remember “gradually” is the operative word! Water carefully. Avoid wetting the shoots or waterlogging your soil since both water logging and poor drainage lead to disease. Over-watering (not under watering) is the most common way people kill their plants. After the plant flowers it is safe to plant them in your garden where they will flower for years to come! Happy gardening!
[1] Wikipedia- Hyacinth orientalis
[2] FoliageFriend- What colors are Hyacinth Flowers? A simple guide to their vibrant spectrum
[3] A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants- Hyacinthus pg
[4] A raceme is an unbranched, non-terminating type of inflorescence of stalks flowers growing on a single axis.
[5] Sunset Western Garden Book- pg 367-Hyacinthus orientalis
- Author: Jennifer Hansford
Part 1
BREATHTAKING would be the word I used for Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden which was one of our destinations during our Thailand Vacation. Over 2,500 acres, this garden is situated at the edge of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chaing Mai. The garden sprawls over a hillside reaching the highest point (in a conservation zone) at about 4,000 ft.
Surrounding this area are gardens, twelve glasshouses, trails, and natural vegetation ranging from hill evergreen through dry dipterocarp forest (family of 16 genera and about 695 known species of tropical lowland rainforest) to pine forest found in the higher elevation.
Within the garden we explored walking trails, gardens and glasshouses all displaying a diversity of plants either in their natural settings or arranged according to a theme or classification.
The Queen's Botanic Garden's focus is strengthening “ex situ” (outside, off site, away from the natural location) conversation of valuable Thai flora. Where they have breeding programs for native Thai orchids.
Our first stop in the botanical garden was a “Canopy Walk,” which is a trail made of steel, mesh metal, glass, and fiberglass (stretches for approximately 1,211 feet), winds through the jungle canopy, providing a bird's-eye view of the forest below. As you stroll along, you will feel like you are living among the wildlife, surrounded by the vibrant foliage.
Of course, there was scenic vista overlook and walkways which provide stunning viewpoints.
There was wildlife but you needed to keep your eyes peeled for fascinating creatures! While we did not spot any “flying dragons” (Draco Maculatus divergens) also known as a flying lizard during our visit, they are known to inhabit the area. this was the beginning of our adventure in the gardens!
In my next article, I will talk about the incredible gardens arranged in themes!
- Author: Brenda Altman
Rain makes the Flowers grow
Poppies are hardy survivors
They are back! A little traffic island on Georgia Street in Vallejo is again a home for the California State flower: the Golden Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)! Every year this brilliant eruption of orange poppies appears! Nature is working hard to make us smile; when I drive by them, I smile back.
Where did these beautiful flowers come from? There is no cut out in the concrete island, there is no soil, there are no hanging baskets, how do they survive? Look closely and you can see where they are anchored. They are growing between the cracks of the concrete! Originally the first seeds were probably windblown and took hold in the small concrete cracks, found some soil, and sprouted. The poppies must like it here because they reseed every year!
Poppies are easy to grow and are drought tolerant. They will grow almost anywhere where they can get at least 6 hours of sun. They need little water and germinate in the fall after the first rains or in the spring when the soil warms. They will self-germinate if they find the soil and other conditions favorable. You may have several years of golden poppy heaven before you have to re-seed. Ideally, they prefer sandy well drained soil but as you can see, they are pretty good in almost any soil. They flower February through September.
I guess these poppies could be considered a weed. A weed is an unintended, unwanted plant. If the City wanted the poppies, they would have put a flower planter there. Unintended but unwanted? I think it is a wanted plant. I enjoy them! I am sure their bright colors bring joy to everyone who sees them.
Now is the time to look for and plant poppies! There are other varieties of poppies white, red, and other colors. A packet of 50 seeds costs less than $4.00. Re-wild our open spaces with our State Flower!
This small wonderland of poppies in an urban setting is spectacular.
If you get a chance visit amazing super blooms now erupting throughout California. According to the LA Times, Lancaster CA has some spectacular displays of poppies. For up to date info on super blooms visit: https://www.parks.ca/gov