The Conservatory Phase one of the the new Conservatory of The Two Sisters has opened to the public. Originally constructed in the 1930s, the conservatory has been renovated into a state of the art showcase of plant materials. Phase two will add a changing exhibits gallery, a desert exhibit, a mountain rainforest exhibit, and a 'color house' resembling a French Quarter courtyard which will showcase the garden's large orchid collection. The Glass DomeThe spectacular Glass Dome reflects the architectural style of the Pavilion of the Two Sisters at the opposite end of the garden's main axis. Serving as the reception and orientation area for visitors entering the conservatory, it provides a preview of the of the exotic plant life that awaits them. Living FossilsThe Living Fossil exhibit, a gift of ChevronTexaco, showcases a variety of prehistoric plant life from throughout the world. This exhibit features plants that developed early in the evolution of the plant kingdom displayed along side a large collection of fossilized plants and interpretive graphics. All of these plants evolved before the development of flowers. Plants such as cycads, lycopodiums, mosses, and ferns thrive around a breathtaking central waterfall and pond.The Tropical Rainforest The Tropical Rainforest, a gift of the Garden Study Club of New Orleans, features plants from the warm, moist regions of the world. The sound system and state of the art climate control system allow visitors to experience the feeling of a true tropical rainforest. The exhibit includes a tree root exhibit of epiphytes, a waterfall exhibit and cave which is home to a selection of animals native to tropical areas of the world. Still under development, a botany field camp will offer an interactive learning experience for visitors.
Phase IIFundraising is currently underway for a second phase to be built just behind the present conservatory.Back / Next / End the Tour |
