Gardener Blog

Monday, April 22, 2013

Como Zoo & Conservatory reaches milestone in 10-year expansion | Minnesota Public Radio News

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Yearning for spring? It's always summer at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory - A MPR Audio Story

Minnesota Sounds and Voices
Yearning for spring? It's always summer at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
by Dan Olson, Minnesota Public Radio
March 20, 2013

Minnesota Sounds and Voices
This ongoing series produced by MPR News' Dan Olson serves to capture memorable sounds, voices and images that reflect the culture of Minnesota.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Como Hosts Winter Carnival Show

Como Hosts Winter Carnival Orchid Show

The Winter Carnival Orchid Show was held January 26 & 27, and Como’s Marjorie McNeely Conservatory had another award winning display!

Of the 96 orchids exhibited, 56 were judged and 28 were awarded ribbons: 11 first place, 11 second place, and 6 third place. The conservatory also received 3 best of class awards, one of which was for the Orchid Exhibit.
Thanks to everyone who participated and attended the show this year!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

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!!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Groovin' In The Garden with Crankshaft!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Congratualtions to "Eleven Who Care" Nominees Mike Porcaro & Ken Ellis as they bring beauty to Conservatory

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

American Garden Award Entries on Display at Conservatory

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is one of 28 prestigious gardens participating in this year’s All-America Selections American Garden Award, the nation’s only popularity contest for flowers. The American Garden Award is a unique opportunity for the public to vote on a specific flower that they think has the most appealing garden characteristics. The six entries for 2012 are:

Angelonia angustifolia ‘Serena® Blue’

Begonia boliviensis ‘Santa Cruz™ Sunset’

Gazania ‘Big Kiss™ White Flame’ F1

Petchoa x hybrida ‘SuperCal® Pink Ice’

Petunia ‘Surfinia® Deep Red’

Sunflower ‘Goldie’ F1

Voting is open June 1 – August 31 and winners are announced in September. To view the entries and place your vote, visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory before August 31. You can also vote online at http://www.americangardenaward.com./