San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers Part I

On our recent trip to San  Francisco I couldn't wait to visit the conservatory of flowers in Golden Gate Park.  The exterior of this grand building just makes you want to discover what's inside.

The building's Victorian details are just beautiful but for a plant lover like me,  the plants inside are the main attraction.  Each room in the conservatory houses a different collection of plants with similar growing requirements.

The huge tropicals in the center of the conservatory tower to the ceiling accented by the stain glass windows and ceiling fans for air circulation.

The floors have a beautiful and yet functional drainage system with groves cut into the intricate ironwork keeping the excess water off the walkways.     I love the motif in the floor medallion as we entered the main room.

Another large room housed highland tropicals...most of the orchids were in this room..a somewhat cooler yet very humid climate. 

The variety and colors of orchids were just gorgeous!  I really had a hard time finding a favorite but here are a few....

I love the shelves the orchids were displayed on...also you can see more of the ironwork on the floor that forms the walkway throughout the conservatory. 

From the Highland tropics another entrance leads you to a very tropical warm and humid climate.  The most interesting plants thrive here...

These plants have their own "pipe" for the collection of  water.  I think they are a variety of  the 'Dutchman's pipe'.   

My favorite room housed the Garden Railway which was really the most fun room!  I took so many pictures I will have to post Part II next week!!  Here's a sneak peek...

If you are planning a trip San Francisco and

love plants I recommend a stop at the 

conservatory in  Golden Gate Park.  

This week I'm linking with :

Tootsie's Flaunt Your Flowers Friday
Beverly's Pink Saturday