picture HEAVY -- Belle Isle conservatory

[Paul]

Went to the Belle Isle conservatory. Not as impressive, IMO, as the Meijer Gardens in GR, but still was able to get some decent shots ... definitely was "blooming season". Not much in the way of orchids, unfortunately and few of the plants were named

A few plants from inside

Agave victoriae reginae -- about the size of a soccerball. Rather liked it myself. Was surprised at how hard the leaves were



I was way too short to get close pics from above for the flowers on this cactus -- the lowest flowering branches were 8 or 9 ft (2.5 to 3 m) off the ground



however I did get a good shot of this one's flowers (that the plant was only 6-8 inches tall helped )



Madagascar palm -- definitely NOT a "climb friendly" -- and its flowers



Now the few orchids that were in bloom -- none of which had name tags

vanda



milt.



dendrob



cym -- was actually a bit greener in person



an attractive Stanhopea



And finally the courtyard pond outside



these "piglets" quickly came over whenever they caught sight of someone who might have a handout





















not sure what this bird is ....





And last but not least, a couple of Gazania by the pond's walkway