Monday 13 August 2012

DETROIT: The Anne Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

We gave estate sales a miss at the weekend after nothing grabbing our attention on the websites so took ourselves off to play at being tourists again on Belle Isle - that island between the US and Canada. I had my eye on getting over to the conservatory come greenhouse and botanical gardens - also known as the Anne Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory for some photographs and it certainly didn't disappoint. 

To the front of the conservatory are huge sweeping lawns and boxed hedges leading to a fountain, flanked by brightly coloured flower borders. You can just see the Detroit skyline in the distance in the last image. I always love the vast grand architecture of glass conservatories and this one certainly didn't disappoint. While it was open we didn't venture inside as Joe's allergies were acting up but in the cooler autumn months ahead we're certainly coming back. Inside it's home to the worlds largest collection of orchids with many being shipped here from the UK to save British collections during WW2.


To the rear of the conservatory next to the aquarium which I'll be blogging about soon was a huge koi fish pond covered in flowering lilies, rocks and ornaments. It was such a tranquil peace to watch the water and reflect a while. I know my posts about life and things to do in Detroit don't appeal to everyone but to me they are important in providing the opposite to what people would like to see written about the city.

17 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos, it looks like you had the place to yourself. :)

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    1. It does seem that way didn't it, the island was really busy with people's parties and the like but it was a really cold over cast day so I think the tourists were staying away.

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  2. What a fascinating place to visit - the domed centre is so striking and I love the story of us Brits shipping orchids over to the US to keep them safe during the war :-)

    Jem xXx

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    1. I know - that tale really makes me want to go inside and spot all the orchids! Hopefully when the weather cools down we'll be returning.

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  3. What a beautiful place, it looks so typically English! those flowers are joyfully vibrant. x

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    1. It does have a very English feel especially with all the boxed hedges!

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  4. oh my gollies. I didn't even know such a gorgeous place existed in the US! What a beautiful place, and what lovely picture, Rachael!

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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  5. It looks lovely, reminds me of Kew gardens.

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  6. Yes,yes I would love to go inside and be with all the orchids.
    We have orchids in our little greenhouse. I think the are the most interesting
    flowering plants on this planet. There is a underground orchid in Australia that never sees the light of day and depends on ants and other terrestrial insects to pollinate it. Joan and I want one so bad. We are trying to get one. Hubby don't understand why we want to grow something we don't get to see. Our love of orchids drive use to want one.lol.

    Beautiful pictures. We got to visit this place someday. We can hardly wait until you go back and go inside and maybe get some pictures.
    A wonderful and most interesting post. I just love it.
    Love, Joann
    xxxx

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  7. Wow, this place is beautiful! Great photos too =)
    xx

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  8. How beautiful! I would love the see all of the orchids. I hope you get back soon when your Joe's allergies get better. Mine have been awful too lately.

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  9. Such a beautiful place to spend the day!! Happy new week to you! xo Heather

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  10. wow! That pond is asbolutely beautiful!! Stunning even! Def going on my bucket list

    Cherry Lane xx

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  11. Your photos are great, this place looks incredible! So so beautiful :)
    I love seeing these posts btw :)

    http://lucyywrites01.blogspot.com
    Lucy
    x

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  12. Oh this is so pretty, what lovely photos!

    x

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  13. These are beautiful pics Rachael.

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