Scenic USA - Ohio

Each day Scenic USA presents a new and interesting photo feature from somewhere in the United States. Chosen from a wide variety
of historic sites, city scenes, backcountry byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a brief explanation. For further detailed
information, links to other sites are provided, but are never to be considered an endorsement.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Photos by Greg Hamilton
Greg's Conservatory Collection

     A popular landmark since 1895, the Franklin Park Conservatory is located just a few miles from downtown Columbus. The conservatory lies within the 88 acre Franklin Park, surrounded by a lake, cascading stream, botanical gardens and a playground. Built in a grand Victorian-style greenhouse, seasonal displays and new demonstrations keep each visit fresh, offering various educational opportunities for all family members.
     The conservatory is divided into distinct sections, where over 400 different plant species represent the world's unique biomes. Sections vary from the Himalayan Mountain Biome to a tropical rainforest. The Columbus Counts Program provides school students environmental knowledge about their own energy consumption, conservation, the global carbon cycle, and the carbon sequestration power of trees and plants.
     Dale Chihuly's exhibition of glass artwork was featured in 2003. The exhibit was such a crowd pleaser, the Friends of Franklin Conservatory purchased one of the largest collections of Chihuly's works. When Chihuly's exhibition was brought back to the conservatory, the conservatory's pieces were also featured, with some over the main entrance, in the John F. Wolf Palm House, the Himalayan Mountain Biome and the Grand Atrium. With such an interest in glasswork, the conservatory's Hot Shop provided visitors with an up-close look at professional gaffers preparing works from molten glass. Other exhibitions during the year include the ever-popular Blooms and Butterflies, the Orchid Forest and the Holidays at the Conservatory.

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