|
Bona Thompson Conservatory |
|
"a hidden garden in historic Irvington"
Patricia V. Brown
We in the Irvington Garden Club can be justifiably proud of our southwest facing, brightly lit conservatory.
In this age when "greening" everything is popular, we've converted an old, unused, three story boiler room into a special place for both new and experienced garden enthusiasts.
Like all of us in our club you've love our curator, Patty Brown. Knowledgeable, conversant, and well qualified, she's been know to tell a visitor that she'd "rather buy plants than clothes." Isn't that a "dyed-in-the-wool" gardener and one you would like to meet? You bet!
Take your time, peak in every corner and under each bench. Ask a question or two. Maybe more! Research something in our library or learn about numerous local garden groups including the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (INPAWS), the Indianapolis Horticulture Society noted for it's free lectures and paid garden events, Marion University's Eco Lab, or maybe complete a National Wildlife Federation application for creating a "habitat garden" in your backyard.
Somewhere in our tropical wonder your spy a plant case displaying cultivars of begonias. Like visitor's before you, take it all in and enjoy the brightly colored, veined leaves of this easy to raise plant. While there listen for the sound running water? Look up and to your left. There, at about the second story level, you'll find the starting point of Patty's well engineered fountain.
Since reclaiming the once empty room, ?? YEAR, we've taken a tuck or two here and there, installed a new double sink, a ceiling fan and overhead lamps, hauled in shelves by the dozens and moved AND removed our collection of rare and sometimes not often seen tropical plants.
Throughout the past few years we've sold many plants including daylilies and hostas growing in our outdoor beds, old flower pots like your grandmother used, floral painting by Irvington artists, and garden gadgets galore.
Come visit! Remember, we're a "hidden garden" ready for you to find and; heaven forbid, buy something to take home. |
|
Irvington Garden Club |
