Voodoo Lily is Blooming Again!

It's fall and the Amorphophallus Konjacs are blooming again this year!

These plants are the smaller relatives of the large and stinky Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) that bloomed here at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in June of 2011.

Don't be fooled by their comparatively small size---these plants have a very potent smell when the inflorescence is open. You must get fairly close to the inflorescence to get the full effect of the smell.

This plant has three blooms and there is a hope that at least one of them will last through the end of September. This plant is located in the back corner of the North Garden. Enjoy!!

Conservatory Orchid Collection Takes Home The Hardware!

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory displayed over 40 orchids from the orchid collection at the Minnesota State Fair August 31st and September 1st.  The orchid show is hosted by the Orchid Society of Minnesota and features a wide variety of orchid plants, artwork, and collectibles from society members.  This year, the show's theme was "Olympics," inspired by this summer's games.  As an homage to ancient Greece, the conservatory's display included white columns, rocky "mountains," and foliage wreaths.  We also included colors from the contemporary Olympic flag.  The overall display won awards for "Best in Show" and "Best Display Over 25 Plants."  Thirty-three individual plants received awards--12 of which were first place!  The State Fair is a fun way for the conservatory to share its wonderful orchids with the public, and participate as an institutional member of the Orchid Society of Minnesota.