A Winter Oasis: the Biltmore Conservatory

Spring Bulbs in the Palm Room of the Biltmore Conservatory

In the dead of winter, when I feel the need for a little flower therapy or some artistic inspiration to cheer up the long dark days, I steal away to a special oasis. It’s a year-round garden full of lush greenery and vibrant colors, patterns, textures, and intoxicating smells!  And fortunately, I don’t need a plane to get there. 

It’s hard to believe there is a tropical paradise hidden in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, but thanks to the genius of George Vanderbilt & friends, all I have to do is hop in my car and drive a short distance to the Biltmore Estate Conservatory. 

I realize the mansion (and the winery) are what bring most people to the estate, but for me it’s the conservatory. It draws me back again and again!

The Biltmore Conservatory

A Brief History

The estate’s conservatory was built in 1895 as a collaboration between landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, architect Richard Morris Hunt, and George Vanderbilt, himself.  Before building the Biltmore, the threesome took a Grand Tour of Europe to gather ideas.  They were no doubt influenced by the famous Victorian glass houses of the day. Think Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace or the Palm House at the Kew, which were extremely popular symbols of both botanic and financial wealth.  But it wasn’t all about status and money for George Vanderbilt. He was actually much more sensitive than that. Under the influence of Frederick Law Olmsted, Vanderbilt cultivated a keen interest in trees and plants, and set out to establish both an arboretum and working nursery on the estate. (More on this in future posts…)

The Palm Room in the Biltmore Conservatory

The conservatory was part of what Olmstead conceived as “a small park and a small pleasure ground & garden” on the estate.  It sits below the mansion at the base of a beautiful walled garden. The architect, Richard Morris Hunt, designed the building which features his distinctive ‘pebbledash’ stucco facade.  The central room is the Palm Room, which rises a stunning 40 feet overhead and has several spectacular palm species including the Queen Palm and Golden Hawaiian Bamboo.

There are 5 other rooms that flank the Palm Room: the Hot House, the Cool House, the Potting Room, the Exhibition Room, and the Orchid Room. So it can feel a bit like a maze as you walk through, but there are delights at every turn. Just look at this enchanting Bromeliad bed!  Complete with a V (for Vanderbilt) on the headboard.  It looks like something out of a fairy tale doesn’t it?  

The Bromeliad Bed in the Biltmore Conservatory

Vanderbilt Bromeliad Bed in the Biltmore Conservatory

A mantle next to the bromeliad bed in the Biltmore Conservatory

Delights at Every Turn…

Today, the conservatory is host to over 2000 varieties of tropical and exotic plants, and seasonal exhibits. With so many patterns, colors, and leaves of all shapes and sizes, I always see something new or surprising. Like this–an Elephant Ear flower! Did you know that they have flowers?  I mean, it stands to reason of course, but I had never thought about it, much less seen one!  Now I am wondering who pollinates it and what exactly does the fruit look like?

This Elephant Ear plant is called a Thai Giant and it has the largest leaves in the conservatory, measuring about 4-5 feet each.  I also learned recently that in Africa, Elephant Ears are not decorative, the leaves and roots are eaten and are considered an important food source.  

Thai Giant Elephant Ear in the Biltmore Conservatory

Thai Giant Flower

Bananas!

I always love to see banana trees fruiting. It reminds me of home. When I was young, my neighbor across the street had a banana tree growing in his yard. I remember seeing that tree fruit for the first time and being utterly fascinated by the transformation from flower to fruit. It all seemed so bizarre, and of course, slightly erotic.  Maybe it’s the sheer size of the flower? I’m not sure, but it just feels more animal than plant. It makes me think of Georgia O’Keeffe. I wonder if she ever painted a banana flower? Seems like she would have found them fascinating as well.

More beautiful surprises…

Pink Orchids in the Palm Room of the Bilmtore Conservatory

And finally…The Orchid Room 

The Orchid Room at the Biltmore Conservatory

The orchid room is always a show stopper.  There are over 1000 varieties of orchids in the conservatory’s collection.  On any given day they must have at least 40-50 different varieties on display. 

The Orchid Room at the Biltmore Conservatory

This lady-slipper display almost knocked me over!

Lady Slipper Orchid Display at the Biltmore Conservatory

You have to look closely, because there are lots of varieties tucked into tiny nooks and crannies…

Take a look at this interesting orchid–it reminds me of a snake. I can’t say it’s the most beautiful orchid I’ve ever seen, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting!

African Bulbophyllum purpureorhachis at the Biltmore Conservatory

I didn’t even know it was an orchid until I looked closely.  See the tiny little orchid flowers?  Amazing. 

African Bulbophyllum purpureorhachis flowers

Here are some beautiful orchids, for your viewing pleasure…

Orchid at the Biltmore Conservatory

Orchid in the Biltmore Conservatory

Orchid in the Biltmore Conservatory

So now you get a sense of why I call this a winter oasis. I am very grateful to George Vanderbilt, Frederick Law Olmsted and Richrd Morris Hunt for the inspired collaboration that resulted in this magical little eden.

There are so many things to see and do on the estate, but IMHO, this flowery wonderland is the jewel-in-the-crown.  I love all the new discoveries, the sights, the smells, but especially the sense of peace and calm that I take with me when I leave. 

To feel completely immersed–and almost lost at times–in plant life is good winter medicine.  In Japan, this is called Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.  Maybe you have heard of it?  Studies have shown there are real, measurable effects on your health and sense of well-being. Of course, you don’t have to have a conservatory nearby to reap the benefits of this type of plant-immersive experience.  I urge you to try a simple visit to your local flower shop or plant center.  Regardless, find your own little winter oasis and en-joy yourself! And if you feel like sharing, I would love to hear about your experience and how it made you feel!