Visit these special plants in their pretty glass houses

  • By Sandra Schumacher Special to The Herald
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2015 4:47pm
  • Life

Few Victorian public conservatories remain in the world. Fortunately three of them are located on the West Coast, two of them in the Puget Sound region: the Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park in Tacoma and the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle. (The Hall of Flowers at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is the third).

The Seymour Conservatory and the Volunteer Park Conservatory grow and display the exotic and rare, the tender and delicate, all requiring protection from winter’s chill.

These glass houses are botanical gardens on a monumental scale, whose contents are kept safe from winter temperatures and other climate issues. During the 18th century, the indoor garden began as a necessity when botanists and explorers returned from the new Asian and African trade routes with seeds and plants starts.

They quickly learned that most of these plants could not be cultivated in the English climate. The need to develop a protected environment came about as a result of trying to grow both ornamental as well as edible plants, such as oranges and lemons. Additionally, scientists were curious about the potential medicinal benefits that these new plants might possess and these plants also needed protected climatic conditions in which to grow and be observed.

Initially there were problems regulating the internal temperatures of the buildings, which remained too cold for plant production. Glass technology was in its infancy and double glazing had yet to be invented. During the 1800s, glass manufacturing capabilities made giant strides, allowing for the development of the glass and iron Victorian structures that we are familiar with today. The most famous glass house was constructed in 1851 in London at Kew gardens, and became the standard bearer for conservatory design in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The Seymour Conservatory opened at Wright Park in Tacoma in 1908 with great fanfare, and was a favorite stop for locals out for a carriage ride. It was a gift to the city from William W. Seymour, president of Tacoma Gas Company and later Tacoma’s mayor.

The majority of citizens had never seen tropical plants such as orchids, and must have considered them “other worldly,” considering the unique colors, shapes, patterns and fragrances of these and other tropical and rare plants.

Current permanent displays include ferns, palms, figs, bromeliads, orchids, rare and endangered plants and seasonal displays.

The city of Seattle built its Volunteer Park Conservatory in 1912. Formerly known as City Park, Volunteer Park was renamed in 1901 to honor the volunteers who served in the Spanish-American War.

The new glass, wood and iron house, which was modeled after the Crystal Palace in London, was shipped in from Massachusetts and then assembled by Seattle city employees. The overall park design was done by the Olmstead Brothers, who designed of New York’s Central Park, and included the conservatory.

The building became a destination for admirers of rare plants as well as those seeking a respite from their daily chores. Here they found a kaleidoscope of color, a full range of textures and the sweet heady aromas that are heightened in a warm environment.

Seasonal displays, both inside and out, have given visitors a myriad of reasons to return to this Victorian-style building. By 1978, the wood and iron had deteriorated and was compounded by a violent storm that dealt the final blow, closing the building from 1980 to 1985.

Fortunately, local citizens campaigned vigorously to restore the building and the nonprofit Friends of the Conservatory was formed. They formed a partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, raising the funds for an architectural restoration, and the structure reopened in 1985.

This effort was to be repeated in 2014. Closed in May last year, the conservatory — after a hard fight to raise the funds for the restoration — reopened for a gala event on Dec. 6.

More than 150,000 people visit the conservatory each year and many of them take part in the public programs, guided tours, plant sales, special events and classes. Others find the floral backdrop a marvelous setting for personal photos, while artists use canvas to capture that special moment in time when their favorite floral displays are at their peak.

There are many reasons to make the journey to Volunteer Park and to experience the timeless beauty of the architecture and horticultural collections found in the conservatory. Wander the paths of the park and immerse oneself in the exhibits at the Asian Art Museum.

People in the Puget Sound region are the fortunate recipients of forward-thinking city planners and designers, plus the continued work of volunteers and city employees for more than a century. We have in our midst precious and unique structures that are waiting to be discovered by some and rediscovered by others, but need to be protected by all.

Sandra Schumacher writes the Plants of Merit column for The Herald and is a freelance garden writer and Master Gardener. She is a member of the Garden Writers of America.

Visit

Volunteer Park Conservatory: 1402 E Galer St., Seattle, 206-322-4112, www.volunteerparkconservatory.org

Seymour Conservatory: 501 S I St., Tacoma, 253-591-5330, www.metroparkstacoma.org/conservatory

Visit the conservatories’ websites to get directions, docent tour information, photo permit requirements, admission fees, hours of operation, classes and events.

Read

“Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory” by Sara L. Chapman, Book Publishers Network.

“The Pacific Northwest Garden Tour” by Donald Olson, Timber Press Inc.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Sarah Jean Muncey-Gordon puts on some BITCHSTIX lip oil at Bandbox Beauty Supply on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bandbox Beauty was made for Whidbey Island locals, by an island local

Founder Sarah Muncey-Gordon said Langley is in a renaissance, and she’s proud to be a part of it.

A stroll on Rome's ancient Appian Way is a kind of time travel. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves on the Appian Way, Rome’s ancient superhighway

Twenty-nine highways fanned out from Rome, but this one was the first and remains the most legendary.

Byrds co-founder Roger McGuinn, seen here in 2013, will perform April 20 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

R0ck ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn, frontman of The Byrds, plans a gig in Edmonds in April.

Mother giving in to the manipulation her daughter fake crying for candy
Can children be bribed into good behavior?

Only in the short term. What we want to do is promote good habits over the course of the child’s life.

Speech Bubble Puzzle and Discussion
When conflict flares, keep calm and stand your ground

Most adults don’t like dissension. They avoid it, try to get around it, under it, or over it.

The colorful Nyhavn neighborhood is the place to moor on a sunny day in Copenhagen. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves: Embrace hygge and save cash in Copenhagen

Where else would Hans Christian Andersen, a mermaid statue and lovingly decorated open-face sandwiches be the icons of a major capital?

Last Call is a festured artist at the 2024 DeMiero Jazz Festival: in Edmonds. (Photo provided by DeMiero Jazz Festival)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz ensemble Last Call is one of the featured artists at the DeMiero Jazz Festival on March 7-9 in Edmonds.

Kim Helleren
Local children’s author to read at Edmonds Bookshop

Kim Helleren will read from one of her books for kids at the next monthly Story Time at Edmonds Bookshop on March 29.

Chris Elliott
Lyft surprises traveler with a $150 cleaning charge

Jared Hakimi finds a $150 charge on his credit card after a Lyft ride. Is that allowed? And will the charge stick?

Inside Elle Marie Hair Studio in Smokey Point. (Provided by Acacia Delzer)
The best hair salon in Snohomish County

You voted, we tallied. Here are the results.

The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV has room for up to six or seven passengers, depending on seat configuration. (Photo provided by Kia)
Kia’s all-new EV9 electric SUV occupies rarified air

Roomy three-row electric SUVs priced below 60 grand are scarce.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD (Photo provided by Toyota)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE Premium AWD

The compact SUV electric vehicle offers customers the ultimate flexibility for getting around town in zero emission EV mode or road-tripping in hybrid mode with a range of 440 miles and 42 mile per gallon fuel economy.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.