Good morning Saturday Garden Bloggers. Winter expresses itself mainly in black, white and gray colors, so you may be tempted to visit a botanical garden during this time of the year. It is an opportunity to nourish your spirit, learn something new, and bring bright colors to your gardener’s mind.
We visited The Domes last November. If you are close to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you may want to visit Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, also known as Milwaukee Domes. It consists of three domes whose construction started in 1959.
It is the world’s only conoidal (not geodesic) glass house; the shape allows a better angle for solar heating and more height for tall trees. Each dome is 140 feet across by 85 feet high from the lobby floor; 750,000 cubic ft.
The mission of The Domes is to feature five floral shows per year. There are examples of tropical and arid flora displayed as naturally as possible. This place offers educational opportunities, shares horticultural information and promotes the protection of certain rare and endangered species.
For pest control they use beneficial insects strategically introduced to control pest populations in all three domes. No pesticides are used here.
The first dome we visited was the tropical dome. The plants are watered by hand every day. The Tropical Dome also makes use of an extensive misting system.
The Koi in the ponds were bred in the United States of America but they are originally from Japan. In the wild Koi can live for more than 200 years, but in captivity they live for 25-35 years.
We came across the Vanilla Orchid Vine which needs steady heat and humidity to thrive and bear its pods. Who doesn’t like the fragrance and flavor of true vanilla?
The second dome we visited was the desert dome.
Enjoy the Mexican yellow poppies.
Take a peek at the Chihuahuan desert located in northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Those chili peppers will wake you up with their vibrant colors.
A white dove reminds us of the need for peace and harmony.
The last dome we visited was the holiday dome. As you can see, everything was ready for Christmas.
I hope you enjoyed this brief imaginary visit to The Domes….
A thought-provoking question to end this relaxing diary: Is there a green roof in your future?
Happy gardening.