As promised the desert dome in the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin conversation continues. Despite the temperature in the dome being close to the cold outdoor temperatures we spent a fair amount of time in the desert dome. There is just something about arid plants that appeal to me perhaps because they are just so exotic. 
Graham's Sage
Graham's Sage (Salvia microphylla [in US Salvia grahamii]) is a low growing perennial, evergreen shrub indiginous to southeastern Arizona and the mountains of eastern, western, and southern Mexico. It is a member of the dead-nettle Lamiaceae family sometimes referred to as blackcurrent sage. There are numerous hybrids and cultivars since the 1990s because the plant easily hybridizes. It is favourved for conservatory cultivation due to its long flowering season of up to 9 months outside and all year indoors. The flowers are arranged in whorls, with a wide range of color (magenta, red, pink, rose) depending on the cultivar. Unfortunately the Graham's Sage was not in bloom during our visit.
Palms
I fell in love with palm trees our first visit to Las Vegas that lined the streets and graced most landscaping. That love was reinforced through a few trips to Florida but my gosh where I really started to appreciate them was in Key West. The palms waved in the wind making a rustling sound while providing cooling shade in the heat of the sun. In the evening hours the shadows created by the palms were amazing then at night listening to the rustling in the deep darkness it was easy to believe the local ghost stories. Perhaps the local ghosts were actually visiting us!
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
Living in Ontario, Canada I don't have a lot of experience with cacti other than the few I grow on my windowsill. My little cacti seedlings are coming along nicely and while they are about double in size they sure take a long time to grow! I can fully appreciate how long it takes for a cactus to get to any appreciable size. Mine are now 3 years old and aren't even big enough to transplant. I'll have to remember to post an update :)
Most think of the desert as a hot, dry area and it it but it is surprising how very cold the desert can get! We've been in the Mojave Desert several times. While the temperatures can be stifling hot as high as 134ºF in Death Valley during the day the low can be as low as 8ºF at night. The Desert Dome of the Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) was really on the cold side not much warmer if any than outdoors when we went through. Coats were a must!
Aloe Vera
I took a lot of pictures in the desert dome. Despite the cold it was quite enjoyable. Understated yet rustic accents like a cattle sculls were scattered randomly throughout the dome. Once again the dome was set up with plants bordering the perimeter of the dome with a well planted central region containing a small pond and a meandering path with benches to sit and enjoy.
I immediately recognized the aloe vera plant in the lower left corner. Aloe vera is a must have plant in any home. It is low maintenance with healing benefits especially for kitchen cuts and burns. I love the natural looking landscape showing this wonderful plant in its natural environment.
Golden Barrel Cactus
The Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a Mexican native that is a protected species even though it is a popular cultivated species especially for houseplants but also in landscaping in suitable areas. This cactus lives to to be several hundred years old. The spines provide shade yet help catch rainfall directing it to the base of the plant. The accordion like folds expand and contract depending on the amount of rainfall the plant absorbs. One myth is the barrel cactus is a reservoir for fresh water but this is wrong even though moisture can be squeezed from the pulp.
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2010
