The Carriage House entrance is ready for the holidays. There are many changes in the works for the San Antonio Botanical Garden and construction is underway for a new entrance that will accommodate larger crowds.
For some reason we enjoy treating our agaves this way.
It was a gorgeous day! First a look at the trees around the lake. I'm not quite sure how they did this, but there's a bit of East Texas Piney Woods right here in San Antonio. Soil and water requirements are so different for these plants that it feels like you have been transported 300 miles east.
Texas-sized Pine Cone wreath for the Piney Woods.
Bright grasses marked the way to the conservatory where holiday displays await.
No enormous Victorian Glasshouse here, it's all very modern with five separate glass rooms connected through an outdoor courtyard.
In the main exhibit room, red poinsettias contrasts with surrounding tropical plants.
Just one single variety of red poinsettia is used throughout.
The spare use of poinsettias to highlight the colorful permanent collection of tropicals is refreshing.
Hibiscus tucked in among the poinsettias. This variety is 'Moy Grande' named for Mr. Moy who developed plants for our climate at the botantical garden for many years. It's also the signature flower on the San Antonio Botanical Gardens logo.
The desert room was dressed up with bright Kalanchoes
And this Reindeer treatment of a small saguaro. Cute spot for a family photo.
Palms and cycads get in the holiday spirit.
Tropical plants, that's vanilla growing up the wall on the left, enjoying their holidays indoors.
Making my way to the exit, I paused to enjoy the long fountain which will be removed to make way for a new entrance. The fountain head will be relocated but the pond will be smaller.
It's a favorite space in the garden.
I will miss this view from the wisteria arbor.
The holidays are in bloom in San Antonio!
Donna will have more blogger's Seasonal Celebrations on her Monday post at Gardens Eye View.
For more fall color visit my post on the Japanese Maples at Kumamoto En. Holidays in Bloom will be on display at the San Antonio Botanical Garden through December 31st.
Oh Shirley this is marvelous. Big hugs to you for sharing this for Seasonal Celebrations...perfect! I adore seeing Christmas around the world and this just adds to my need to visit your beautiful city during the holidays one year. I adore the agave, and oh the poinsettias sprinkled among the tropical plantings....the Kalanchoes in the desert and the reindeer cactus are just fabulous....and one of my favorite views is the wisteria walk and the fountain. I can't think of a better spot to spend the holidays than in San Antonio....again thank you Shirley for linking in and sharing your season with us!
ReplyDeleteWe have enough fun and beautiful spaces for both locals and visitors.
DeleteBeautiful! Such great photos. I'm coveting all the plants -- even that white Brugmansia, yowza! (I am not usually much of a Brugmansia person. Personal failing. I want that white one, though.)
ReplyDeleteShirley, thanks for this and all your terrific posts, and I wish you and yours a holiday season filled with peace and happiness!
Thank you so much Luisa, and happy holidays to you too.
DeleteI look forward to seeing Ten Eyck's new entry. I'm sure it will be fabulous but also completely different in style from the current entry and formal fountain. Any idea when construction will start? Maybe I'll have time for one more visit to see the current features before they go.
ReplyDeleteConstruction has begun on the expansion area and the new entrance is part of that phase. Removing the fountain and changes to the existing gardens are in the next phase so it might be a couple of years before it's all done.
DeleteChanges to any garden setting trigger mixed reactions (for me at least...). I appreciate the new features but always trend towards nostalgia when it comes to outdoor "sit and watch the world go by" type spaces. It is wonderful you've captured that long view for posterity. Here's to the New Year and to the new entrance features! May both be worthy of "best yet!" designations.
ReplyDeleteThe changes are very much needed since the current entrance is visually confusing. There are accessibility problems that must be addressed and the new emphasis on children's programs will be helpful for our next generation of gardeners in the city.
DeleteI too would miss that fountain. Wonder how long it has been like that?
ReplyDeleteBut, the new will have a different appeal and charm. I look forward to your pictures as the work unfolds.
The fountain has been there since about 1980 and even though it looks old it was new when installed.
DeleteWhat a lovely post Shirley, with the cool grey here so nice to see all the colourful plants, I can almost feel the warmth, Frances
ReplyDeleteOur parts of the world are so different. We prefer the warmth except possibly in August when there's a bit too much heat for my liking.
DeleteYou have taken such great shots that I could enjoy the garden sitting in front of my computer. Simply breathtaking. And, it's great and interesting to see that there are still places in our country where the trees are so much full of leaves and flowers blooming :-). A cheerful post for a gray winter day here in NJ :-)
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