Let's Head to the Tropical Dome

It's February, it's cold, and I'm trying to warm up. So let's head back to Milwaukee's Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes).

I covered the Show Dome for a holiday post in December. The others--the Tropical Dome and the Desert Dome--don't change much with the seasons. And I learned a lesson: Start in the tropics and end in the desert, not the other way around. Moving from a dry climate to a humid one can be a little uncomfortable.



When I was there, displays described The Domes Task Force feasibility study. Currently in phase one, the task force goal is to rehabilitate the facility and provide a sustainable operating model going forward. The Domes have been a Milwaukee fixture for many decades.



I hope The Domes' future will be bright; the facility's plant collection is incredible, like this stunning Cardinal's Guard (Pachystachys coccinea).

Other plants in the Tropical Dome that caught my attention included:



Many Bromeliads, including these Earth Stars (Cryptanthus spp.) clinging to rocks.



Earth Stars surrounded by Variegated Creeping Ficus (F. pumila).



Golden Shrimp Plant (Pachystachys lutea).



Amethyst Star (Pseuderanthemum laxiflorum).



Birds of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae).



Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata). (Yes, it did smell pleasant.)



This fairy garden featuring tropical plants was fun. I almost missed it while focusing on eye-level plants and tall tropical trees.



I was surprised by the impressive collection of orchids in the Tropical Dome.



Zygopetalum Louisendorf  'Rhein Moonlight.'



Bright yellow Phalaenopsis.



Phalaenopsis 'Kaoda Twinkle.'



Magenta-speckled Phalaenopsis.



Paphiopedilum 'Aladin.'



Cattleya percivaliana 'Summit.'



Angraecum eburneum subsp. giryamae.



Cattleya Horace 'Maxima' x  C. jeamanii.



An unmarked cross with Paphiopedilum rothschildianum.



Oncidium 'Sharry Baby.'



Phragmipedium Geigelstein.

Some of these and other beautiful orchids had lovely scents, too, although I didn't spend enough time noting the fragrances.

The Domes facility is worth a trip if you live nearby or are traveling in the area, particularly if you need a little winter break.

Christmas Under Glass at The Domes

Recently, I drove over to Milwaukee's Mitchell Park Conservatory, also referred to as "The Domes." I hadn't been there in many years, so I'm glad I devoted an afternoon to exploring the three glass-encased gardens. The Floral Show Dome was all decked out in holiday cheer, with the theme, "Naughty or Nice."

Whimsical scenes of Santa with his elves working hard to prepare toys, check the lists, and plan for travel around the world, were interspersed with lush groupings of Poinsettias, Amaryllises, Mums, and other traditional holiday plants and decorations. The giant Christmas tree near Santa's chair was impressively decorated with snowflakes, ornaments, and the list of good children.

Here are a few highlights, in no particular order. You can click on the photos to enlarge them and see more detail.

It was a bright day, so the sun and the blue sky surrounding the scenes added to the warmth of the displays.

The "Naughty or Nice" display will continue through Sunday, Jan. 7. The conservatory is open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It's a great destination if you live nearby or you're traveling in the area, and it's a pleasant setting for a family outing and a warm, lush escape from the winter winds outside. I plan to share highlights from the other two domes in the months ahead.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!