Nestled in the rolling hills of beautiful Eden Park (named, of course, after the biblical Garden of Eden), the Krohn Conservatory is a majestic structure. Completed in 1933, it replaced an existing range of greenhouses in Eden Park. There is a nursery on the premises, but most of the plant propagation is done at Warder Nursery in Finneytown (a neighboring suburb). Admission to the Conservatory is free to the public, though donations are accepted.

Occasionally Krohn Conservatory hosts special events, such as holiday displays, seasonal theme exhibits, and an annual butterfly show. The butterfly show is a huge hit with kids, of course! Butterflies from around the world, some rare and exotic, fly in netted gazebos. Many species of North American butterflies flutter freely around the showroom, lighting on the dramatic foliage or even on visitors!

As you step into the lobby, the peace and tranquility of the Conservatory begins. Peek over the rail, and get a glimpse of the Palm House below. The path leads in a circular fashion through a lush expanse of palms and other tropical plants, arranged masterfully to trick your senses. If it weren’t for the identification tags, you might almost believe you were in a tropical rainforest. A twenty-foot waterfall cascades down layers of limestone into a stream filled with goldfish. Don’t forget to look up, or you might miss the bromeliads, orchids, and ferns growing in the trees – even colonies of grayish-green Spanish moss.

Less dramatic, but just as much of a treat is the Tropical House. A collection of tropical plants, many of which grow successfully as houseplants, thrives in the sunny humidity. Don’t miss the chocolate tree, dwarf banana, date palm, guava, or vanilla vine. In the right season, you might even spot fruit growing. It’s more than just a collection, though! Like the Palm House, it’s quite realistic. The plants appear to have been placed by a quirk of nature, not by a gardener’s trowel.

Krohn Conservatory is also home to an indoor desert. Thousands of species of cacti and succulents thrive there, including the ancient and dramatic Agave. An alcove of the desert garden displays many varieties of living stones. From there, you can peek into the gorgeous orchid display, which contains about seventy-five varieties of orchids in their peak blooming season underneath a massive Monstera Deliciosa.

Don’t miss the bonsai exhibit! Many of these miniature trees, donated by members of the Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati, are on display during their seasons of peak bloom or foliage color. Information on Bonsai is available, including the history and detailed care information. And when you’re done, stop by the gift shop and visitor center, where you can ask questions about your own houseplants and gardening concerns and receive expert advice.

I’ve been visiting the Krohn Conservatory since I was very young, and every time I enter its doors the beauty overwhelms me. It reminds me of why I enjoy indoor gardening and renews my dedication to my own indoor jungle.