The Conservatory of Flowers is a beautiful glass structure
which shelters more than 20000 rare and exotic plants. The oldest building in
Golden Gate Park, the conservatory is modeled after a greenhouse in London's
Kew Gardens. It was manufactured in Ireland for a San Jose millionaire, James
Lick, who died before its arrival. The disassembled structure was purchased
by a group of businessmen and donated to the Golden Gate Park. The building
was severely damaged by a severe storm in 1995 and it was closed for repairs
until 2003 but today you can visit it daily from 9am to 4.30 pm ($5
admission). They have two rooms dedicated to the tropics and one of them has
many delicate orchids, very beautiful. I also remember an aquatic plants
section and a room with potted plants which really appealed to my
mother-in-law who has a passion for potted plants.
