Hymenocallis (spider lily)
Spider lilies are another tropical plant that wouldn't exist in Vancouver's cooler climate were it not for the efforts of the folks at the Bloedel Conservatory. I proposed to Mrs. Flowerishness in the Temperate House at Kew Gardens and I have seen many glass houses in my time. The Bloedel is typical of these places. Temperature and humidity-controlled, for sure, but if you pay close attention, there's something missing. Where are the tropical insects?
On the Saturday I visited the Bloedel Conservatory, it was packed with tourists. I have carefully edited-out the people to give you the impression that I had the place all to myself. This glass house is also full of parrots and lovebirds flying around, one of which left a lovely, white calling card on my black t-shirt. However, somehow the Bloedel seems to have edited-out the entire insect population.
I can see the Bloedel Conservatory's side of the story. When you take your kids to a major tourist attraction, you don't want to be worried about bloodsucking ticks or life-threatening mosquito bites. However, it does underline the strange feeling you get in this Disneyland of tropical flowers. It looks like reality but it's not. The Bloedel is quite like a tropical rainforest but I think it's missing that essential buzz.
