A glance at my television screen last Friday morning yielded a promotion for The Cincinnati Parks Krohn Conservatory’s Bloom and Grow Show. Bold, colorful tulips filled the screen. Tulips? In January? Count me in.
Having visited the conservatory’s elaborate Christmas show, I admit I was expecting something a little more dazzling from the current exhibit.
But while Bloom and Grow may not match the scale of the Christmas display, it is still a quaint, sweet and undeniably great exhibit to visit, especially when paired with time spent in the palm house section.
To both the right and the left of the showroom entrance, comfortable little nooks have been constructed for the young. Miniature white-picket fences and containers stuffed with daffodils outline the special sections. Nestled within the boundaries are small sets of colorful chairs and picnic tables designated for reading, writing and coloring.
Beyond the children’s area, a small path has been created among the existing evergreens and citrus collection. Sliced wood pavers are secured in mulch, large stones and a variety of plants and flowers. Coupled with the woodsy scents of the outdoors, the warm temperature momentarily transports us ahead to spring.
From the showroom, my husband and I stepped toward the palm house, entering on the right to approach the path counterclockwise. The dark green leaves of tall trees tangled together and stretched from the floor below to the ceiling. At the bottom of the stairs, in the water to our left, several large fish clustered together over coins tossed in by those hoping, perhaps, to have a wish granted.
My husband and I followed the cement-pebbled path until we reached the small, ornate bridge positioned in front of the fountain. Adjacent to the bridge was an empty bench, so we sat down. Surrounded by tropical trees from India, Southeast Asia and Australia, we were easily coaxed into remaining there for some time.
Outside, I reminded myself, soft flakes of snow swirled through the gray sky. Inside was a different story. Effortlessly, the setting created by the crashing water, fragrant plants and the balmy temperature removed us, albeit briefly, from the biting winter.
What often feels like an intolerable wait for spring, while immersed in such a setting, became a bit more manageable.
In conjunction with the show, several special family-friendly events are scheduled. Visitors will be able to pot a small plant on January 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., learn the history of chocolate on February 14, 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sample chocolate after demonstrations on February 16 from 1 to 3 p.m., meet a horticultural expert on February 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., purchase an orchid from February 29 through March 1 and from March 10 through March 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special events for adults, 21 and older with a valid ID, include: “Bloom and Grow Your Own Houseplants” on January 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $22 and includes the program, supplies and a drink. “A Match Made in Habitats: A Valentine Date Night” will be held on February 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person/$40 per couple and include drinks and food. “Botany and Brews” will be held March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. The $15-ticket includes a beer.
Bloom and Grow runs now through March 8. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for children four and under. For more information, call 513-421-5707 or visit www.cincinnatiparks.com.
(Note: Marjorie Appelman is an English, communications and journalism teacher at Mason County High School and co-founder of the travel blog Tales from the Trip, which is on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. She can be reached at [email protected].
