I was talking to a couple of fellow commuters the other morning who are avid gardeners. Anticipating Spring, talking about what is coming up in their gardens and what inspires them, the discussion turned to Bartholdi Park's riot of colors last spring. So, I visited the park today to see if it had anything to offer in February.
Nope, pretty bare. Yes, that is the US Capitol dome in the background. Bartholdi Park is on the Capitol grounds.
The beautiful fountain is dry. And in spite of the blue skies, the wind is blowing and it's cold -- my jacket is not up to the task. But across the street, there is refuge . . .
the conservatory, aka the United States Botanical Garden. It, too, is part of the Capitol grounds. It's warm inside, even steamy . . .
Misters for the jungle keep it humid
If you prefer dry heat, they also have a desert.
And they even have a riot of color because right now there's a special display of orchids -- "an alphbet garden of orchids"
Pretty Miltonias with their pansy-like faces . . .
f - is for fragrance,
and these cattleyas are right at home in the "fragrance" display . . .
Orchids can take unexpected forms like this Dendrochilum . . .
Lady slipper orchids, like these, are my favorites . . .
The front gallery where this show is taking place has two rectangular pools lined with orchids
There's nothing like phalenopsis for a variety of color . . .
and they're easy to grow, too.
And while the park seems pretty dismal in February, a foretase of the spring display to come -- Snowdrops in bloom.
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