Volunteer Park Conservatory

Click to scroll down to:

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

WEDDINGS AT THE CONSERVATORY

Imagine a wedding at the Conservatory’s lovely, tranquil Seasonal House, surrounded by fragrance and beauty.

Recent modifications to the space mean that it can accommodate up to 25 people. For more information, please go to our ceremony scheduling page.

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

Spring Hydrangeas, fuchsias, scented geraniums, campanula, lilies. Summer Tibouchina, hydrangeas, perennials, grasses, coleus Fall Exhibition chrysanthemums, coleus, hebes. Holiday Poinsettias, gardenias, cyclamen, decorated trees, Holiday Train. Winter Gardenias, azaleas, forced daffodils and tulips, cinerarias, primroses.

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

Some of the foliage plants shown here are easily recognized as common house plants, for example Algerian ivy, peperomia, coleus, ferns and ficus trees.

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.

There is a 95 year old Crassula argentea (Jade Plant) that blooms beautifully November to January, as well as a potted collection of Sansevierias.

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.