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 | | The Conservatory Chronicles |
Issue 80, July 2014
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Great people and good times at our 2014 Members' Party
Once a year, the Conservatory throws a party to thank YOU, our wonderful and valued members. Last week on Thursday, July 17, over 200 members stopped by in the early evening to stroll through the greenhouse, mix and mingle, snack on delicious munchies from Bi Rite Market, sip craft beer from Barrel Head Brew House, and enjoy live music on the front lawn from local SF band The Rightsiders. We even had a crafts table in Chomp! for the kids, and a giant Venus fly trap waiting to greet guests as they entered the party!
Thanks to all of you who attended. If you're not yet a member of the Conservatory, please join us today, and we'll see you at next year's party!
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New in the Conservatory: Dramatic Orchid "Tree" installed this month in Highlands
We're thrilled to announce the installation of a new, permanent display in Highlands: the Orchid Tree.
Part stunning sculpture, part teaching tool, this fabricated model will be used to educate the public about the intricate and deceptive methods orchids employ to trick and lure pollinators.
The 12-foot tall tree is currently adorned with an over two foot-tall Dracula vampira orchid model. Design and construction of the Dracula model was made possible by the generous donations of over 50 contributors to the Grace Hoppin Memorial Fund. The orchid model will remain a lasting tribute to the memory of Grace Hoppin.
Additional funds are currently sought for future orchid models, including a Paphiopedilum, which traps it's pollinator, and an Ophrys, which looks identical to the bee that pollinates it.
If you would like information about sponsoring an orchid model for the orchid tree, in memory or in honor of a loved one, please contact Jane Scurich, Director of Development, at jscurich@sfcof.org, or at 415-831.2093.
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Volunteers Needed: Docents and Jungle Guides
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Volunteer Frank Chow leads
a tour of the Chomp! exhibit.
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The Conservatory's comprehensive training program prepares new volunteers to lead Conservatory tours for adults or children.
We are currently seeking new volunteers to serve as Jungle Guides and Docents.
Jungle Guides introduce elementary school students to the wonders of the rainforest.
Docents educate adult visitors about the Conservatory's fascinating collection of tropical plants.
The next 6-week volunteer training will be held Wednesday afternoons from August 6th through September 17th.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Jungle Guide or Docent at the Conservatory of Flowers, please visit us HERE for more information.
We are especially seeking enthusiastic volunteers who can commit to two shifts per month during the year following their training. Thank you!
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Local high school students help out in
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Christian Rodriguez demonstrates the Venus fly trap's trapping mechanism to Chomp! visitors
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"It's been a great experience for me so far" says local SF high school student Christian Rodriguez of working as a docent in Chomp! Christian is one of six Bay Area high school students who, since mid-June, have been helping visitors to our Chomp! exhibit understand how carnivorous plants have adapted to trap and consume insects.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Mary A. Crocker Trust, these six students were trained to serve as Chomp! docents. They will spend a total of two months educating and assisting our visitors this summer, AND they are being paid for their time and services.
"It's a win-win," says Conservatory Education Director Erika Frank. "The students gain new work skills and have a great experience to put on their resumes, and Chomp! visitors have the added presence of enthusiastic young docents to help them understand how carnivorous plants function and survive."
The internship program runs until the SF public schools resume session in mid-August.
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What's in Bloom? Codiaeum variegatum
Beautiful...and possessing of medicinal qualities
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 | | Codiaeum variegatum |
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Location in the Conservatory:
Codiaeum variegatum, also known as "Croton," is an evergreen shrub with often colorful shiny evergreen. These natives of southern India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the western Pacific Ocena islands grow in forests in their native habitat, but in the US they are often kept as house plants. This cultivar has unusual pale yellow curled leaves.
Codiaeum are in the Euphorbiaceae family. The sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation. It is also toxic if eaten, though in small quantities, it has been used in herbal medicine to treat gastric ulcers.
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Check our What's in Bloom page to
see what else is blooming!
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Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 4:30pm (last entry is at 4:00pm)
Please note that on Sundays and holidays,
Golden Gate Park closes many of its roads to all vehicle traffic.
Admission: $8.00 for Adults; $5.00 for Youth; 12-17, Seniors age 65 & over, and College Students with ID; $2.00 for Children 5-11; Free for Children 4 and under
Discounts available to SF City and County residents with proof of residency.
The Conservatory is free to all visitors on the first Tuesday of every month.  Accessibility: The Conservatory of Flowers is wheelchair accessible for both motorized and non motorized chairs. Handicap permit parking is located at the east side of the building and also on JFK Drive in front of the Conservatory. Strollers are not allowed in the Conservatory.
Information line: 415-831-2090
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