My City By The Bay

Within the Conservatory of Flowers San Francisco galleries is the aquatic plants room which houses the Victoria Amazonica or giant water lily.  These water lilies can grow up to 6 feet in diameter as shown in the above photo.  They vary in colors from white to light and dark green.

Although it is difficult to read in this photo, the sign is located in the aquatic gallery.  The room is beautiful with it’s flowing ponds and zen waterfalls.  The giant lilies are the attraction and surrounded by Asian pitcher plants which are a group of carnivorous plants with a vining growth habit.

The gallery also houses the Strangler Fig which begins it’s life in the branches of a tree then slowly encircles it with it’s roots suffocating the tree.  Though they look harmless they are very dangerous to trees.

The aquatic plants gallery is one of four within the conservatory and is my favorite.  With the rippling pond, giants lilies, waterfalls and exotic greens from the Amazon it is a very serene setting.  All it needs is some traditional Asian music playing and you would think you were in a far off land.  It’s a great little spot to read, write, meditate or just enjoy the peace and tranquility.  

The video above which I took while visiting the conservatory the other day allows you a glimpse into the natural zen setting within this particular gallery.  There is also a bench where you can sit and relax and various orchid plants and greenery that surround the lily ponds.  Windows surround the greenhouse and afford the natural light which is needed for the galleries.  

For more information visit The Conservatory of Flowers website.

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