This was the last part of the visit.
The 3D-model projector presentation on the sustainable development of the gardens and conservatories and the +5 degrees are a must see part of the Cloud Forest before entering the Secret Garden where visitors get to see giant small sculptures and plants such as the Episcia and Kohleria cultivars before reaching the exit.
The Lost World is the highest part of the Cloud Forest and up here, there are a number of fascinating plants that never cease to amaze me, such as the following:
- Phragmipedium (Family: Orchidaceae)
- Medinilla (Family: Melastomataceae)
- Paphiopedilum (Common Name: Slipper Orchid; Family: Orchidaceae)
- carnivorous plants Sarracenia (Common Name: North American Pitcher Plant; Family: Sarraceniaceae), Pinguicula (Common Name: Butterwort; Family: Lentibulariaceae), Drosera (Common Name: Sundew; Family: Droseraceae)
- Calanthe cultivars (Family: Orchidaceae)
Whilst the Flower Dome is of a cool, dry mediterranean climate, the Cloud Forest mimics a cool, moist high altitude montane forest climate. At the entrance is a waterfall to greet visitors.
Amongst the many interesting plants are the following:
- Begonia cultivars (Family: Begoniaceae)
- Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Common Name: Dawn Redwood; Family: Cupressaceae) from Sichuan-Hubei
- Camellia japonica cultivar (Common Name: Japanese Camellia, Rose of Winter; Family: Theaceae)
- Streptocarpus cultivar (Family: Gesneriaceae)
I missed taking the photos of the Autumn Harvest when the display was first done up. There were Sunflowers then.
Finally, I managed to take these photos before the Christmas display is up. The following are just some of the stuff that fascinated me:
- varieties of Heuchera (Family: Saxifragaceae)
- varieties of Pumpkin
- varieties of Maize / Corn
- farm animals
- Fuchsia cultivar (Family: Onagraceae)
- Riccinus communis (Common Name: Castor Oil Plant; Family: Euphorbiaceae)
- Rosa cultivars (Family: Rosaceae)
- Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' (Common Name: Friendship Plant; Family:)
- Fittonia cultivars (Common Name: Nerve Plant; Family: Acanthaceae)
