Friend-of-the-GPOD Cherry Ong was in Toronto recently and sent us these photos from the Centennial Park Conservatory. These are specifically of a part of the greenhouse where there was a seasonal display of spring flowers—long before the same plants will be blooming outside in Toronto. It is a beautiful escape from winter and a preview of spring.
Tulips (Tulipa hybrids, Zones 3–8), daffodils (Narcissus hybrids, Zone 3–9), and crocuses (Crocus vernus, Zones 3–8) are all in full bloom, with hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis, Zones 4–8) in front still in tight bud. Outside, the hyacinths would bloom long before the tulips, and the crocuses would be long since finished, but by forcing them into bloom in the greenhouse, the gardeners can create a fantasy garden with them blooming all out of order.
These delicate little hoop petticoat daffodils have enormous trumpets, and very tiny petals around them, giving a totally different look from the typical daffodil.
Grape hyacinths (Muscari species, Zones 4–8), daffodils, and tulips all are blooming together in an explosion of color.
This greenhouse is packed with blooms. If you look carefully you can see snow outside! What a wonderful escape to spring.
With sun streaming in, blue skies above, and beds packed with brilliant flowers, this really is a magical experience.
A little planter makes a centerpiece, surrounded by tulips in bud and bright red florist cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum, Zones 8–11 or as a houseplant).
The tulip display is just getting started, showing bright color beginning to open, and again, views of the snowy landscape outside.
A beautiful double-flowered daffodil, with extra layers of petals that transform the look of the bloom.
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