Q- How many panes of glass does the Conservatory have?
A- Volunteer Park Conservatory has 3,426 panes of glass. They were originally held in place by a swamp cyprus wood support structure. These supports were replaced in the 1950s, then again in the 1980s, before being replaced by long lasting aluminum in a restoration phases which started in 1993. The final phase of the Conservatory restoration was completed in 2014.
Q- What is the oldest part of the building?
A– The lunette or peacock window over the main entry is the only original wood and glass piece remaining from 1912 after two renovations. It was restored in 2000.
Q– What is the oldest plant in the Conservatory?
A– The oldest plant on display now is probably the Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and is over 100 years old.
Q– Why are the windows white washed in the summer?
A– A chalky paint sprayed on the glass in early summer to protect the plants from excessive sun and heat. In the fall the white wash is removed when days become shorter and darker.
Q– How do you control the temperature and humidity?
A– The Conservatory heating system is computer controlled. Two natural gas fired boilers heat water and valves open allowing hot water into pipes located below the display benches. The overhead and under-bench vents are also computer controlled to regulate temperature and humidity. There is a sensing device in each house.
Q– Who is the statue out front?
A– William Henry Seward (1801-1872) was the US Secretary of State under President Lincoln. He negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars, about 2 cents per acre. This became known as “Seward’s Folly”.
We at the Friends of the Conservatory would like to acknowledge that the land Seward "purchased" was stolen. The Conservatory is located on unceded ancestral lands of the Duwamish people. A people that are still here, continuing to honor and bring to light their ancient heritage.We also invite you to support the Duwamish, who are actively fighting for federal recognition, and you can sign their petition here.
Q– Do you sell any plants?
A– The FOC Palm House Gift Shop has a variety of plants for sale. We also have two large plant sales per year, on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend in May and a Saturday in mid-September.
Q– Do you have carnivorous plants?
A– Yes, they are usually found in the boggy planters flanking the pool in the Fern House. Our collection includes Venus Fly Traps, Sundews, Pitcher Plants and more.
Q– Where do your plants come from?
A– We grow plants in our production greenhouse space from seeds, cuttings and divisions. We accept selected donated plants from the public. We are a certified US Fish and Wildlife Plant Rescue Center, accepting plants confiscated by US Customs when they are illegally imported.
Q– How many people work here?
A– There are 3.5 Seattle Park Department gardeners (one works summer only). The Friends of the Conservatory has three paid staff and also provides many volunteers to help with all kinds of tasks.
