We continue our feature on Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam with the second of their three greenhouse attractions - the Palm Greenhouse.
The building itself looks new so we were surprised to find out that it was built in 1912, making it just over a hundred years old. But it was renovated, and perhaps also restored in 2011 which probably explains why it is looking in very good condition.
As you step in immediately you notice the large specimens...and that they are in pots rather than planted in situ. This is because most of the potted specimens are wheeled out in the garden during the summer and only kept in there during the winter.
The Philodendron bipinnatifidum however is planted in situ and is looking impressive...
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| Loving the backdrop of large Philodendron aerial roots, cool! |
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| Great looking specimen |
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| Variegated? Nope, their centrepiece palm is not in a good state. |
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| These are looking mighty fine though! |
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| Encephalartos altensteinii |
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| Encephalartos horridus |
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| Poorly looking Dasylirion |
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| Any idea what this palm is? I didn't look but assumed it is a Washingtonia. Not sure now |
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| Much better |
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| There was a little elevated walkway too, and views up there weren't too bad |
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| Oh dear, mealy bug infested Macrozamia |
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| Natural predators to the rescue? |
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| That ill looking palm again |
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| Much better with a lovely looking Chamaerops humilis |
I wonder what they do in this space during the summer when most of the potted plants are sunning themselves outside? I do know though that they hire this space for private events.
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Some real beauties there, and some that look, well, like I was growing them. :)
ReplyDeleteI love greenhouses that have catwalks!
All public greenhouses should have a catwalk Alan, just adds that extra dimension to enjoy :)
DeleteA private event in there would be nice!! oh and I also like the roots backdrop for that bench!
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine the fabulous parties that can be held there Lisa :)
DeleteWhat a cool building. It strikes me that it has a steampunk vibe. It's a bummer that so many of their specimens are in such poor shape.
ReplyDeleteI know, it's odd isn't it Alison? Some of them ought to be on the ground.
DeleteThe structure is fantastic. Too bad that quite a few of the plants were sub-par.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. More plant TLC needed...
DeleteHmmm. As others have said...love the building, not so much for the poor plants.
ReplyDeleteYep! But to have that structure as a personal greenhouse, one can dream :)
DeleteI do love a good architectural glasshouse roof! Pity about the poorly plants though. And whose idea was it to give such a lovely plant the name 'horridus'?!
ReplyDeleteMaybe a botanist that fell on it by accident Janet :))
Deletegorgeous building, unhappy pot plants. I used to grow indoor plants that looked like that. I think some plants just don't like being contained in a pot.
ReplyDeleteThat's true Sue, often it's not a viable long term option for some of them :)
DeleteLooks a bit bleak outside, I am sure it felt much nicer inside! I am sure the palms are looking forward to summer and some fresh air : ) A wonderful space...would be fun to see it full of flowers and candles for an evening event. Cheers
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a nice place for an event Laurin. And hopefully those poorly plants will recover in the summer :)
DeleteWhat a cool way to grow that philodendron. I've never seen one suspended like that to show off the aerial roots. Love that Encephalartos horridus.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Evan :)
DeleteA beautiful building in need of a resident horticulturist.
ReplyDeleteMore cash injection perhaps :)
DeleteInteresting building! Hope the plants bounce back! I wonder if they were exposed to cold/freezing air during the restoration? Maybe a furnace failed. That's one heck of a mealy bug infestation on that Macrozamia! Hope they are able to get rid of them. LOVE the idea of having this as a personal greenhouse! I'd even share it with others!
ReplyDeleteI am just imagine you holding lots of parties with this place Peter :)
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