Krohn Conservatory- A Bloom in the Garden of Eden

Waterfall in the Krohn Conservatory.

 For my birthday I was surprised with a day trip to Cincinnati and in particular a visit to the Krohn Conservatory. Having been a florist for 30+ years I love all things plant and flower related and the Krohn was truly a delightful place to spend some time.

Greenhouses were on the grounds of Eden park since the 1880's but the current glass and aluminum Art Deco style buildings and greenhouses were built in the early 1930's. Opening day was March 26, 1933 and it was named for Irwin Krohn in recognition of 25 years of service on the Board of Park Commissioners.




Krohn Conservatory from Eden Park.

A winding path pulls you through a rain forest of palm trees, vines, anthurium, croton, banana and papaya trees, Banyan, Dracaena, all manner of exotic plants and flowers. It is a haven of peace and tranquility. A mermaid sculpture peaking through foliage, interesting textures of bark and leaves and the sound of water splashing all lends to a Zen-like experience.

 

 

 

 

Vines hanging from ceiling of greenhouse.

The greenhouses have water features with Koi fish, fountains and a beautiful waterfall.

Another greenhouse houses a lovely display of desert plants and landscape with bright sculpture and cactus, succulents highlighted.

I loved this vertical biophilic garden design piece. It is inspiring. Also there was this rather Asian inspired mobile art piece hanging from the ceiling in the desert  house. It is made entirely of recycled tea bags!

 

Tea bag mobile.


Then we moved on to the Orchid room. They had a lovely collection of  Phalaenopsis, Oncidium and Cattleya orchids along with an impressive collection of Pitcher plants.

 

 

 Unfortunately some of the areas were closed the day we went due to the installation of their annual holiday extravaganza. It looks like a glorious event to see in of itself though.

 After spending an enjoyable time amidst the flora and fauna we climbed higher into Eden Park. Literally named after the Garden of Eden by Nicholas Longworth who owned the property in the mid 1800's the park today spans 186 acres. We had to drive up to the intriguing tower at the top of the hill. An impressive brick building that turned out to be the Romanesque Revival Elsinore Waterworks Tower. A fancy water tower built in 1883 that was inspired by a local production of Hamlet!

Elsinore Tower. Eden Park.
 

Frankly we just ran out of time but the park is one that has a lot to see in its own right and perhaps a return trip in the Spring will be the best for further exploration.