Hot and Humid!

I made a trip recently to Des Moines, Iowa to visit my aunt who was hospitalized for a bad fall. I’m happy to report that at 84 years of age, she remarkably (and thankfully) did not break any bones, is bruised up pretty bad, but is getting stronger every day.

During my visit, I took a break and headed over to the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center.  If you ever travel to the Des Moines area, I highly recommend that you visit this wonderful attraction. I especially enjoy the Botanical Center on a cold, wintry day because as soon as you walk into the dome, you breathe in the richness of soil and humidity…….oh, how wonderful that feels this time of year!

I have been to the Botanical Center in the past, but it has been quite a few years, so when I first walked in I couldn’t believe how much everything had grown….especially the palm trees. They were ‘ginormous’!

Anyhoo…. I got some fabulous shots that I wanted to share with you.  I am posting the names of as many plants as I was able to obtain.  Sadly, some were not tagged.  Believe me….I was down on my hands and knees, practically crawling through some of the larger plants looking for the name plates.  This is not fun in a warm, humid environment, and while having a hot flash at the same time!!!  I walked into the center feeling somewhat well-groomed and left looking like a wet dishrag!!   Well worth it though, I must say.

Come, take a walk with me into the Des Moines Botanical Center…….oh, and don't forget to leave your coat at the door!!

Wow!  So much green.......a site for sore eyes this time of year.

Yes!! Color!  That's the fix I've been needing......brightly colored Gerber Daisies

and a lovely mass planting of tulips and daffodils.....

  Now THIS is an interesting looking plant.....it says:

 SHRIMP PLANT (Justicia brandegeana) Acanthus Family

Origin: Mexico

  ...the flowers actually do resemble small shrimp, don't you think?

Here's another interesting plant with upright growth and unique shaped leaves....(the picture does not do this plant justice as it is much taller than shown)

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) Mulberry family

Origin: Tropical Africa

Lovely, delicate flowers on this "Crown of Thorns" plant....

(Euphorbia milii variety splendens)

Spurge Family

Origin: Madagascar

Some see this plant and think of the crown of thorns used during Christ's crucifixion. 

In Thailand and other Asian countries, it is poplular as a good luck omen.  

 

Cool!  A koi pond....

Here's a Bush Violet (Barleria sp.) from the Acanthus Family

Origin: South Africa

This plant would make a great filler in my garden........ 

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) Spurge Family

Origin: SE Asia

Here are some of the 'no name' plants....but all have fabulous foliage......

Whew.......I'm tired....want to take a break? 

Me too, but first let's cross over this foot bridge

towards the Cactus area....

More to come tomorrow........