Travel Archives - Page 9 of 13

Bzzzz August 10th, 2007

Globe trotter that I am, I am writing from Colorado where I happened upon this amazing cloud forest tree at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

It’s not a real tree, but is actually a steel and foam construction. But it is absolutely smothered in epiphytes–orchids and other plants that grow on trees for support, not nutrients.

cloud tree.jpg

Cloud Forest Tree, Denver Botanic Gardens

The cloud forest tree is named for the trees that grow high in the mountains of Asia, Africa, Central and South America where the mountain mists and clouds descend and touch the tops of the tangles of forest.

I was taking refuge in the greenhouse from the crushing heat and had just reached the end of the main part of the structure when I walked into a separate enclosure. It was so surprising–and stunning–that I let out a little yelp, making the other tree-gawkers jump!

The gardens here in Denver were so beautiful and inviting, I was stunned that the cab drivers didn’t know where it was and that the people I spoke with at the hotel hadn’t visited. It makes me wonder how many people haven’t visited the gardens in their own cities.

Have you visited your own local botanical gardens? What do you find most extraordinary there? And will you share the URL if you can find it, please!

Your globe trotting correspondent,

Posted In: Gardening, Travel

Tags: gloriosa superba Rothschildiana

One of the problems with visiting historic or other public gardens is that it takes you away from the work in your own garden at home.

But since the guys were headed off to Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, I couldn’t just stay at home watering and pulling weeds! Do you blame me for neglecting my own chores for the day?

Mount Vernon, Home of George Washington

I have been to Mount Vernon several times before. But it has always been in the chill of autumn or in the dead of winter. Given my interest in historic, particularly Colonial gardens, I was aching to see the gardens in their full glory.

The lawn in front of the house is a wide swath that provides a panoramic view of the house–even if the lawn is a bit parched from the drought. Of course, the house is now nicely restored to its full glory after periods of neglect during which the house was derelict and in danger of falling down. The brick paths that wind down either side of the lawn are now shaded with centuries-old trees. I have to wonder what the original scene was like when George and Martha lived here.

On the left (facing the house), is the upper garden and greenhouse, where mostly flowers, ancient boxwood and fruit trees grow.