March 2005

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

by Martina Priadka

The Sunken Garden

In a year when we seemed to have had an on again off again winter it may not be as pressing to get yourself into spring. Regardless, the warm air and the smell of flowers always lifts the spirits and gives us a little spring fever fix. Even when there is snow here and there, the smell of springtime is unmistakable and is our hope for the warmer days to come. One of the best places to jumpstart the spring time and feed your spring fever is the newly renamed, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo in St. Paul.

The North Garden

Not only popular for weddings and school field trips, this enormous greenhouse is a perfect place to stop and smell the flowers, have a first kiss or read a book. There are a variety of greenhouses to walk through, feel the temperate climate, hear the birds sing and admire nature in bloom. The main room has the highest ceiling and therefore the tallest trees. Magnolia blossoms perfume the pathways while orchids drip from the vines. Small benches are tucked away here and there making perfect hideaways for stolen kisses or Kurt Vonegut. If the weather is nice then the Japanese Garden or the North Garden make great reading retreats too.

The Japanese Garden

The Sunken Garden is one of the most popular rooms and it also houses special seasonal flower shows and events. This spring’s flower show features the typical heralds of spring with its display of tulips, lilies, crocus and hydrangeas in a rainbow of pink, blue and lavender. One week later the summer show begins by adding yellow and white to the array of petals in their famous annual bloom. During the week, when the traffic lessens, this room makes a great meditation area with lots of sunlight and the sound of trickling water. Another fun way to spend a day there is in one of the Afternoon Teas. Seatings are at 2 p.m. or 5p.m. and dates vary so call ahead for reservations. Call 651-487-8233.

The Sunken Garden

2005 Spring Flower Show
Saturday, March 19 through Sunday, April 24
an extravaganza of tulips, lilies, crocus and hydrangeas in blues, lavendars and pinks

2005 Summer Flower Show
Saturday, April 30 through Sunday, September 25
a parade of annuals in the pinks, blues, yellows, and whites of the summer season

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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