Visit conservatoryofflowers.org for ongoing updates on programs and special events at the Conservatory.
Here's a sneak preview of the spring and summer calendar:     

May 31 | Dino Nite: The Orchid Whisperer edition Did you know that when flowering plants emerged 140 million years ago, orchids were among the first species? From prehistory to your kitchen windowsill, these plants are mysterious in many ways. Bruce Rogers, author and orchid growing guru, explains how to grow happy orchids in very clear language and beautiful photographs in his new book, The Orchid Whisperer: Expert Secrets for Growing Beautiful Orchids. Join us in celebrating its Chronicle Books release on Thursday, May 31. Pick up your own essential copy of The Orchid Whisperer at the event, and watch your orchids thrive.

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm | Fee: Event is free with Conservatory admission; The Orchid Whisperer $19.95 

Drinks: $5, must show valid ID to drink.

Watch The Orchid Whisperer trailer here. If you can't attend, click here to order the book through the Conservatory's Amazon Associates program.

Scent is one of the most powerful sensations humans experience. The role it plays in triggering memories, attraction and pleasure or discomfort is undeniable. As you walk through the Conservatory, the fragrances can influence your experience as much as the color, textures and sounds. This week, when you enter the Highlands Gallery, you'll notice a cacophony of scents. "The plants use fragrance to attract pollinators," explains Nursery Specialist Eric Imperiale, who cares for the blooming orchids in the Highlands Gallery. "The timing of the release of pheromones is key in maximizing the use of energy and ensuring pollination." This means that the fragrances will wax and wane throughout the day, in a plants attempt to attract the pollinator. Flowers are not necessarily an indicator of fragrance. Some plants have to be open awhile before becoming fertile, so the fragrance may occur after a week or so of blooming, again preserving the plants energy. The variety of scents coming from the currently  fragrant orchids in Highlands goes from perfumelike (Bifrenaria) to musky (Masdevallia Civilis), spicy (Lycaste) to fruity (Maxillaria) - and this probably is relevant to the pollinator they're attempting to woo. Their various shapes and colors all work together with scent to attract the right bug to bring the food they need for fertilization. Just like the human counterparts: it's all about chemistry! Pay us a visit to see how these fragrances attract you - and what other sensations you observe at the Conservatory.

A big thank you to the San Francisco Garden Club for their grant to expand our youth education! The Conservatory offers educational materials for 3rd through 12th grade, but through the support of the SFGC, we can now offer a fun way for 2nd grade and below to engage with our collection and mission. The $2000 grant provides funding to print mad-libs style postcards, and to provide boxes of crayons for young children to color the postcard. Signage throughout the Conservatory gives the children the words they need on their educational adventure through the jungle - one to write home about! A child can walk through with their family, and marvel at the towering trees and colorful flowers, but by writing, coloring, and discussing the postcard with their parents or teachers, their experience will be enriched and their interest in plants will grow. Children can mail the postcard to tell their family about the giant water lily or the bug-eating plants they saw, or the postcard can go on the family refrigerator to remind them of their visit. Look for the materials as you enter the building, distributed by Conservatory volunteer greeters! Read on to learn more about our youth education programs and how to support them.