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The glistening white of a Minnesota winter is majestic and beautiful to me, for a while anyway.  But all of a sudden there's this strong desire, maybe even necessity, to see color!  Even green or brown might suffice.  St. Paul, MN. has the ultimate remedy for someone in my condition, when flying south is not an option.

The conservatory at Como Park Is the perfect vacation from 'white', or any time of the year.  A few weeks ago, I escaped to Spring!  I'm always intrigued by the new displays and the feeling you get as you enter each of the different gardens.

         Como Park Conservatory, Sunken Garden

Although I don't have a favorite, the Sunken Garden is always color to the extreme.  The theme changes five times a year, every nook adorned with Poinsettias during the holiday season.  The scent as you enter is not soon forgotten, as you take in the sights of huge Snapdragons, Cyclamen, Azaleas, Foxgloves, Amaryllis, and hundreds of Stargazer lilies so masterfully arranged.  You soon forget about the season outside. 

Como Park Conservatory, Fern Room

The Fern Room is cool and humid, and a calming green everywhere.  Complete with waterfalls, and over a hundred species of ferns, it's like being dropped off on a tropical island.

IComo Park Conservatory, Northern Garden

In the Northern Garden, the experience is tropical fruit, spices, and even chocolate.  I could sit by the pond for hours and watch the giant goldfish.

 Como Park Conservatory, Palm Dome

Prehistoric jungle comes to mind as you enter the Palm Dome.  The crystal dome reaches 64 feet tall and some of the plants exibited are over a century old.  This Strelitzia (tree Bird of Paradise) is over 20 feet tall. 

The new Tropical Encounters Garden is designed to replicate an authentic tropical rainforest, complete with bugs, animals, and tropical birds.  It was very thoughtful of them to leave the snakes out!  I could wander in there for days.  One has to see this one to believe it! 

My fasination continued through a huge collection of Orchids in the Orchid House, and the Bonsai Gallery, which boasts the largest Bonsai collection in the midwest.

Now called the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, it is a 'must see' destination if you happen to be traveling to the Twin Cities area... and a wondrous getaway for a day if you have the winter blues.  Have a beauty filled day if you happen to have a conservatory near you.