Today we’re taking a tropical escape with Linda Mayer.

I visited the iconic geodesic dome Climatron at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Because I am very eager to resume gardening and due to staying home so much during the pandemic, I was awed at the entrance by such a gorgeous, tropical, green display. I thought you might enjoy a walk-through with me. I apologize for not identifying the plants, but between the high humidity, warm temperature, and my COVID mask, my glasses were continually obstructed by condensation. Missouri Botanical Garden is currently undergoing a massive construction project that will include a new, larger visitor center among other improvements, including a conservatory.

Warm greenhouse spaces at your local public garden are key escapes from the cold, dreary days of winter! This is particularly so when we can’t travel to actual tropical locations.

A lovely water feature in the greenhouse is surrounded by lush tropical foliage. I wish I had this in my house! Though it might not be possible to have a waterfall indoors, many of these plants will adapt nicely to life as a houseplant if you have bright windows or add some supplemental lights.

Looking up through the tropical foliage to the geodesic dome covering the Climatron.

Tropical gardens are often foliage-forward, and this is a great example of how leaves of diverse sizes and textures can make a wonderful garden display without the need for lots of colorful flowers.

Pretty amazing blooms on this plant. Tropicals are out of my wheelhouse, so if anyone knows what this is, please ID it in the comments. It is gorgeous, whatever it is!

One last view of the space. Just what we all need to shake off the winter blues!

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