The Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park is named in honor of Dr. David Gaiser, a longtime park board member, and it's the place to see tropical and subtropical plant specimens from around the world. There's always something blooming here even when the snow outside is a few feet deep.
Madagascar Jasmine or Stephanotis is a twining vine, and a vigorous climber with a waxy, white star-shaped scented flowers. Most people have seen the flower. Stephanotis is a popular component for bridal bouquets and corsages . However, it's a treat to see the vine with the exotic blooms in this part of the world. The vine requires no lower than USDA Zone 10 to thrive outdoors.
This Madagascar Palm is also showing off with white huge flowers in front of a Jade plant and an American native Giant Saguaro. An African Milk Tree to the right is one of my favorite houseplant. Although mine is in a small pot and just a foot tall the mother plant was six foot tall, so it has the potential to grow this big.
The trunk of the Madagascar Palm and its scientific name, pachypodium lamerei remind me of a pachyderm, an elephant.
This Aloe is from Northwest Madagascar and is much bigger and taller than the woman standing behind it. I don't think my Aloe have the giant genes.
And even in the plant kingdom some families like this one just want to be left alone. This one really makes you watch your steps as you go around it. (My excuse for missing the tag.)
The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden opens in 1974, the same year the city of Spokane hosted the World Expo. Nishinomiya is our sister city and the garden is named to symbolized the friendship. It's a beautiful and inspiring place to meditate. The scenery demands respect without saying a word. You just feel it. The sound of the water running under the trees tells you to slow down, be quite and enjoy the moment.
The Dahlia Trial Garden of the American Dahlia Society. It is one of 8 in United states. August and September are the best month to see the blooms.
Spokane, the Lilac city, also have a Lilac Garden at Manito Park. But they bloomed in May, a month before I started blogging. Maybe next year. Hope you enjoy the tour.
