Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens-Part 2

There is a sense among some people that indoor parks like the Franklin Park Conservatory are better visited during the fall and winter months This is far from the truth. The indoor exhibitions vary in style and type throughout the year making the indoor spaces a must see on your Columbus area park tours. The Conservatory itself is a multifaceted massive greenhouse where biomes from around the world are displayed though their plant, water, soil, rock, and sometime animal types. The exhibits change as the seasons progress making each visit different from the last.  

The conservatory is divided into four different biomes. First you’ll walk through the Himalayan Mountain biome where plants and shrubs thrive with their adaption’s from the Himalayan’s harsh climate. Secondly you’ll walk through the rainforest into a wonderfully muggy exhibit filled with only a small faction of the wild rainforest’s biodiversity. You’ll even get a chance to say hello to the Conservatory’s two Macaws, Max and Mic. If you’re lucky they might say hello right back! Third you’ll walk to the desert biome where dry heat is obviously markedly different from the humid rainforest. Cacti and succulent plants abound in this sandy dry biome. Though a bit oppressively hot in summer, the desert and the rainforest provide a warm and relaxing environment to escape to during the winter months. The last biome you’ll be able to visit is the stunning Pacific Island Water Garden where you can see and smell plants that are only found within the exotic Pacific Island. During the spring months through September 2^nd the Pacific Island Water Garden houses the Blooms & Butterflies exhibition that showcases the beautiful butterflies of Brazil.

After exploring the different biomes you can walk to the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, which specializes in changing displays that transform with the seasons. There are also two rooftop gardens attached to the Showhouse: the Zen Terrace and The Grove, which give a breathtaking view of the Franklin Park Conservatory grounds. Lastly from the Showhouse you can visit the John F. Wolfe Palm House. The Palm House is the oldest park of the Franklin Park Conservatory. Built in 1895 The Palm House contains over 43 different species of palms from around the world. The Palm House can be rented for weddings and events as the tropical mood of the building makes a festive spot for special occasions.

The Franklin Park Conservatory is currently featuring two major art collections. The first is the artistic illumination of the Palm House. Light artist James Turrell uses 7,000 small LED lights to create a permanent installation that “performs” each evening at dusk. Secondly the glass artist Dale Chihuly has created glass pieces that are scattered throughout the Conservatory which blends in seamlessly with the plant life. Now through November 17^th "Highlights from the Chihuly Collection" will be display as well as daily demonstration in glasswork at the Hot Shop.

Spending a day at the Franklin Park Conservatory guarantees an adventure no matter what season you choose to visit. Bring your camera and indulge yourself in a journey of global exploration in Columbus’ backyard. Plan your visit today by going to the their website for more information.