Like much of the country, the Midwest has been experiencing summer-like temperatures. Just a few days ago we were in the 80’s. That’s a dream come true for someone like me (raised in Hawaii, now living in Wisconsin). But, today it’s back to reality with a high of just 55. To help ease our “withdrawals,” my daughter and I took a trip to a “rainforest,” a “desert,” and a “summer garden” all within steps of each other.
So where did we go? The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee. Commonly known as “The Domes,” the buildings are a series of three beehive-shaped glass domes, 140 feet in diameter at the base and 85 feet high, offering 15,000 square feet of growing space for plant displays. Each dome has a distinct climate and exhibit plants in a naturalistic setting.
In the Arid Dome you’ll find one of the world’s finest collections of cacti, succulents (plants that store water), shrubs and arid-land bulbs. Each is grouped by geographic region. Your tour will take you from Madagascar, to southern and eastern Africa, the Canary Islands, South America, and finally North America. And while you are walking around expect to learn a lesson or two. Regional signs detail what plant species are able to survive droughts and the intense hot sun. In addition, individual labels help you with the pronunciation of each plant. This is my daughter’s favorite dome as she relates cactus with Snoopy’s brother Spike. So we spent half the time “looking for Spike.” The temperature in the Arid Dome is set at a warm 84 so it’s easy to see why so many visitors have stripped down to t-shirts half way through their trip.
My favorite dome is the Tropical Dome. It makes me feel like I am back in Hawaii. The temperature is set in the mid-80s and the humidity seems just as high. I love the heat and I love looking at the rich diversity of plants from the rainforests of five continents. Walking through this dome makes me feel like I am walking through my grandparent’s backyard. The dome is filled with orchids, ferns, marantas and calatheas. Not to mention, vibrantly colored flowering plants including Hawaii’s state flower, the hibiscus. There are also samples of anthurium, calliandra, clerodendron, crinum and heliconia. The smells and the colors are intoxicating. You can also find fruits, nuts and spices. And my daughter’s favorites: the waterfall, colorful birds and iguanas that call the Tropical Dome their home.
The third dome is called the Show Dome and its theme varies from month to month. Some of the upcoming themes include: a teahouse garden (with rock garden displays), a model railroad display, and a holiday inspired display featuring a humble cabin nestled in the woods.
You don’t necessarily have to travel to Milwaukee to visit a conservatory like this one. Many major cities throughout the world feature their own horticultural conservatories. Consult your local phone book and take a trip. We had a great time pretending we were miles away from the Midwest… and are now counting down the days to summer.