University of Washington Botanical Greenhouses

           The University of Washington Botanical Greenhouses are best known for their rotting corpse plan (Amorphophallus titanum). About once every seven years you can catch a whiff of this unusual plant if you are quick enough. However, the bloom collapses within a week.

            While you are waiting, the greenhouses offer a wonderful collection of unusual ferns, cycads, orchids, palms, cacti, and tropical plants. The collection is divided into four separate greenhouses with different climates.

A gracious host with warm and welcome surroundings

Ahhh. A taste of the tropics in mid-November. 

I warmed up, literally, with the long view. 

The light was amazing and the structure a bit overwhelming, but I loved the contrast of the technical exposed structure and the organic shapes and colors of the plants.  

This multi-colored palm tree caught my eye with the rich texture in the trunk. The leaves were multi-colored with a leopard-like pattern.

I concur with you all who have said it, our host, Doug Ewing was incredibly gracious and welcoming. Maybe we should make this an annual mid-winter location. 

UW Botany Greenhouse

It was like a mini trip to the Southwest and I was dressed for the North. What a wonderful oasis.
Thanks to Doug Ewing for being so generous.  I thought the pepper plant was interesting because it was so
benign looking yet it was cordoned off with warnings taped to the floor.

A Day of Sketching in Seattle

It has been a while since I have sketched and I feel a bit rusty, but today I had a chance to sketch both at the UW Botany Greenhouse and the Pacific Science Center in the afternoon.
It was a great gathering this morning with about 42 people.  What a great spot to sketch, warm dry, with beautiful plants and light. Thanks to Doug Ewing from the U.W. who hosted us.

Orchid Room UW Botany Greenhouse

Orchid Room UW Botany Greenhouse

Pacific Science Center

UW Botany Greenhouse

11/17/13 Platinum Carbon ink, watercolor

After late-night birthday carousing (a concert I attended ended after 10 p.m. – long past my bedtime!), I arrived late at the Seattle Urban Sketchers gathering at the University of Washington’s Botany Greenhouse. Fortunately, I’d sketched there previously at an ad hoc sketchout, so I didn’t feel like I’d missed as much. I’m glad I made it – what a great turnout!

With about 15 seconds to select a subject and less than 30 minutes to sketch, I chose a view of the Miriam S. Buddress Cactus and Succulent Collection, where I had previously marveled at all the otherworldly looking species. In my rush, I forgot to note the name of this tall, palm-like succulent that looks like it needs to shave its legs.