Showing posts with label Bonsai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bonsai. Show all posts

Friday, February 3, 2012

Bonsai Bonanza

So my last few posts sharing about the current Phipps exhibit have all focused on orchids but don't worry I didn't forget about all you Bonsai lovers out there.

When you enter the serpentine room where all the bonsai were located it can feel a little underwhelming. But when you stop and study  the miniature trees you can see how wonderful they are. Some of the displays made me think that I was looking at a tiny forest and any second small animals where going to come run down the trunks and over the mossy floor. Others of them looked so impossible the way they were growing horizontally with the branches hanging over the sides of the bowls. Some even had tiny flowers that were bloom and some may get fruit as the season continues.


Here are some of my favorites.
Looking in on the serpentine room; not all that impressive until you look at the individual displays.

Twisting trunk of a Chinese Banyan: Ficus thonningii

Flowering Natal Plum; Carissa macrocarpa

Dwarf Natal Plum; Carissa macrocarpa

Weeping Fig:Ficus benjamina

Close up of the weeping fig; looks like a forest floor

Silverberry; Elaeagnus commutata

Love these roots. Japanese Pittosporum; Pittosporum tobira

This one had little flowers growing. Indoor Oak; Buddleja indica

Lavendar Star Flower; Grewia caffra

Closer look at the flower.
For more information about Phipps click here.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Orchid and Bonsai Exhibit 2011

So the 2012 Orchid and Bonsai exhibit opened on Saturday at Phipps Conservatory and I can't wait to go and see if what they have compares to last years exhibit. I must admit that I probably saw last years show at least 10 times since it was during the time I was studying for a large comprehensive exam. I would go inside and study among the flowers where it was peaceful and warm from the cold winter weather; I also get in for free so that helped.
In anticipation of the current show I decided to look up my pictures from last year and share a few (or more than a few) of my favorites.


This picture actually became my laptop desktop background for awhile.

Striking colors on this Phalaenopis Orchid.
Close up of the petals


Love the dainty orchid buds

These looked tie-dyed. Phalaenopis Orchids


Paphiopedilum rothschildianum. Lady Slipper Orchid. This is my favorite.
The sunken garden filled with vases and urns of orchids.

Love this statue
Umbrella Tree

Natal Plum. it actually had a small fruit on it.

Chinese Banyan
Can't wait to go to the 2012 exhibit to see how it compares.

Phipps Conservatory