Fling 2013 - The Conservatory of Flowers

At the end of our first day of the Fling, we all gathered at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park for an evening meal.


Built in 1868, it's the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. Over the years, it fell into disrepair, and believe it or not, in the 1990's was slated for demolition to make way for (wait for it) a parking lot!


Luckily, it was placed on the 100 most Endangered World Monuments list and eventually, with the help of a massive fundraising campaign, has been brought back to its original splendor.

Ok, enough with the history lesson, back to the Fling! We were lucky enough to have Saxon Holt take our group portrait on the steps leading up to the conservatory.


There were Agapanthus everywhere...I can think of several Portlanders who would have been swooning.


The interior of the conservatory is gorgeous...frosted glass ceilings soar overhead.


All manner of crazy tropical plants thrive in the warm, humid air.


Some are quite elegant.


The wine flowed and camera shutters clicked.

People clamored to view the exotic plants around them.


Looks like the hose might have missed a spot!


Lush jungle-ness everywhere.


The conservatory itself was what captured my imagination, however...such attention to details!


I wanted to reach out and touch this plant...but resisted.

There was an orchid display in one of the many rooms...and I was intrigued by how the light from the stained glass panels overhead painted the plants with playful patches of light.


Orchids...clinging to seemingly every surface!


What texture!


My favorite part of the conservatory was this huge, elevated pond. It was amazing to be able to look right across the edge of the water...without getting on my stomach!


It was a relief to emerge from the warm, wet interior into a fresh bay breeze. The building is so photogenic, don't you think?


I leave you with another shot from along the pond's edge, I hope you enjoyed this foray into the Conservatory of Flowers. This marks the end of our first day on the Fling...up next, we have an early-morning photo lesson with Saxon Holt!