Q- How do you control the temperature and humidity?
A- The Conservatory heating system is computer controlled. Two natural gas fired boilers heat water and valves open allowing hot water into pipes located below the display benches. The overhead and underbench vents are also computer controlled to regulate temperature and humidity. There is a sensing device in each house.
Q- Who is the statue out front?
A- William Henry Seward (1801-1872) was the US Secretary of State under President Lincoln. He negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars, about 2 cents per acre. This became known as "Seward's Folly".
Q- Do you sell any plants?
A- The FOC Gift Shop has a variety of plants for sale. We also have two large plant sales per year, on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend in May and a Saturday in mid-September.
Q- How old is the huge cactus in the Cactus House?
A- It is probably about 40 years old – young in cactus terms. Opuntias grow rapidly and we prune ours frequently every year as it reaches the glass.
Q- Do you have carnivorous plants?
A- Yes, they are usually found in the boggy planters flanking the pool in the Fern House. Our collection includes Venus Fly Traps, Sundews, Pitcher Plants and more.
Q- Are the fruits on the Fishtail Palm edible?
A- They are not palatable to humans, but are enjoyed by birds and monkeys in the wild.
Q- Where do your plants come from?
A- We grow plants in our production greenhouse space from seeds, cuttings and divisions. We accept selected donated plants from the public. We are a certified US Fish and Wildlife Plant Rescue Center, accepting plants confiscated by US Customs when they are illegally imported.
Q- Who are those cats?
A- Frank, the mitted sealpoint, and Ivan the black and white have lived here several years. They both showed up here as strays and decided to stay. The gardening staff and the FOC donate their food and medical expenses. Check out their web pages on www.shopcat.com!
Q- How many people work here?
A- There are five Seattle Park Department gardeners plus a summer temporary gardener. The Friends of the Conservatory provides many volunteers to help with all kinds of tasks. Learn more about volunteering.
Q- Where does the donation money go?
A- Currently it goes into a special fund we can use to purchase plants or to enhance our displays.
