Volunteer Park Conservatory

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Amorphophallus Corpse Flower Update The corpse flower is about to bloom again! Waldo, our flowering A. titanum, has come to us on loan for the second time from University of Washington. This plant was grown from seed sown on March 20, 1995.   » More information

HOURS

Regular Hours:
Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Including most holidays. Please call to confirm.)

Summer Hours:
Memorial Day thru Labor Day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

CONTACT INFORMATION

(206) 684-4743

TOURS

Take a Mini-Tropical Tour!
Docents lead 30-60 minute tours, including information on Conservatory plant collections, architectural history, plant acquisition and production, physical facility operation, and behind-the-scenes news.
Ideal for groups of K-12 students, senior citizens, college students, gardeners, tourists, or Seattle landmark lovers.
Fees: $25 per group, free for K-12 school groups
Times: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Sat. at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. beginning February 28, 2006
Please schedule two weeks in advance
More information: (206)322-4112 | foc@volunteerparkconservatory.org

FRIENDS OF THE CONSERVATORY

volunteerparkconservatory.org

The Friends Of The Conservatory nonprofit organization assists with building conservation, docents, hosting special functions and provides additional financial resources from the plant sales.

Find out about plant sales, and other Friends of the Conservatory events at: www.volunteerparkconservatory.org

THE FIVE HOUSES OF THE CONSERVATORY

Aechmea 'Freiderike' Photo by Giselle Blythe Bromeliad in the Conservatory Photo by Beth Somerfield

Bromeliad House

• Temperature 72°
• Humidity 60%
• Tropical Climate

Bromeliad species, members of the pineapple family, number over 2000.

Located primarily in the New World tropics, they are predominantly epiphytic. The bromeliad's central flower structure is surrounded by whorls of colorful leaves. High humidity is essential, as they absorb moisture from the air and collect water in their rosettes.

Other highlights include several species of Platycerium, "Staghorn Fern," also an epiphyte. The beautiful wrought iron display trees for the Tillandsia collection were created in 1999 by Randy Benson and his staff at Folia Fabric Botanicals in Seattle. In spring, Epiphyllum hybrids (Orchid Cactus) from the collection are displayed with their spectacular flowers.

Palm House

• Strelitzia nicolai "Giant Bird of Paradise" Photo by Giselle Blythe

  Temperature 72°
• humidity 60%
• Tropical Climate

The palm family has about 1200 species, some of which can be seen here. Most important commercial resources are the Coco, Date, Oil, and Sago palms. Large banana plants and their allied genera, Strelitzia (Giant Bird of Paradise), Heliconia, and Ginger plants bloom with most interesting flowers. Orchids grace the showcases all year around. Orchids are one of the largest plant families with about 20,000 species. Thirteen species occur in the Pacific Northwest. The fruit of Vanilla planifolia, a vine-like orchid plant, finds good use in the kitchen.

Fern House

• Temperature 72°
• Humidity 60%
• Tropical Climate

Fern House Photo by Ed Backmon

A collection of tropical ferns and other exotics are featured here. On entering, observe the Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) belonging to a family of plants which is among the oldest known to man. Tropical and subtropical flowering plants, including Brugmansias, Begonias, Aroids, and Hibiscus are part of a rotating display. A highlight in the Fern House is a small pond with moving water surrounded by Monstera (Mexican breadfruit) and Ferns. Carnivorous plants and Papyrus grow in the bogs beside the pond. The atmosphere is settling and creates a perfect place to stop and rest.

Seasonal Display House

• Temperature 65°
• Humidity 50%
• Temperate Climate

Permanent plantings in the Seasonal House include a European Olive Tree, Yucca gigantea, and a collection of Sansevierias. Spring Forced bulbs, Cineraria, Schizanthus, Hydrangea. Summer Fuchsias, Scented Geraniums, Tibouchina, Campanula, Delphiniums, Lilies, Spring: Forced bulbs, Cineraria, Schizanthus, Hydrangea, NewGuinea Impatiens. Fall Exhibition Chrysanthemums, Coleus, Hebes. Winter Gardenias, Poinsettias, Azaleas, Forced Bulbs.

Major floral displays change with the seasons making this greenhouse a year-round delight.

Some of the foliage plants shown here are easily recognized as common house plants, for example "Aluminum Plant," Peperomia, Begonia, Coleus.

There is a 75 year old Crassula argentea (Jade Plant) that blooms beautifully November to January.

Cactus House

• Temperature 72 - 80°
• Very low humidity
• Arid Climate

Cactus in the Conservatory Photo by Josh Eckels

The unusual form, structure, and size of the cacti and succulents presents an intriguing plantscape. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Nearly all succulents are descendants of plants which adapted to dry, hot conditions when the earth began to warm up after the last Ice Age. This exhibit is especially spectacular when it is springtime in the desert of the Cactus House.

HISTORY OF THE GARDEN

In 1878, the City of Seattle acquired about 45 acres on north Capitol Hill from a sawmill engineer for $2000. First called City Park, the acreage was improved during the turn of the century using plans designed by the famous Olmsted brothers, landscape architects. In 1901 City Park was renamed Volunteer Park to honor the volunteers who served in the Spanish-American War.

The Conservatory, first proposed in 1893, was not completed until 1912. The City purchased the Conservatory design and framework from Hitchings Company of New York. It was erected by Parks staff. In 1922 growing greenhouses were built to grow and propagate plants in support of the conservatory and annual flower production for general public display use.

Over the years various specialty plant collections have been built primarily from donated materials. The rather extensive orchid collection began as a gift from Mrs. Anna H. Clise in 1921.

As time passed the Conservatory became badly deteriorated. Through public awareness brought on by the Friends of the Conservatory and the City’s desire to maintain this historical site, funds were made available for renovation of the structure beginning in 1980. Renovation of various portions is ongoing.The conservatory buildings and staff today remain under the auspices of the Seattle Parks Department.

UNITED STATES FISH & WILDLIFE CENTER

The Conservatory is a registered US Fish & Wildlife Department repository for confiscated plants seized from attempted illegal import activities. Restricted plants such as orchids, cacti and cycads are received from USFW agents, kept in quarantine for 30 days, then must remain in the Conservatory collection thereafter. They may not be sold, only traded to other botanical gardens and used for propagation.