The Assiniboine Park Conservatory in Winnipeg

The Assiniboine Park Conservatory is a small jewel that is unknown by many of the city's residents. Set in Assiniboine Park, in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, it is a surprising and unexpected discovery. Thousands of people find this horticultural gem each year.

The Conservatory consists of a foyer at the entry, The Palm House , a tea shop, a gift shop and a floral display area. It is not a huge conservatory, but it is a peaceful getaway on the middle of a busy city. In fact the whole Assiniboine Park is full of wonderful places to explore and relax in.

There is an information booth in the front of the foyer, as you enter The Assiniboine Park Conservatory. The foyer displays art works by local artists and is used for classes when the Conservatory is closed to the public.

The Palm House is a small tropical jungle retreat on one side of The Assiniboine Park Conservatory. The Palm House dates back to 1914. It is full of a visually appealing jungle setting with large trees, plants and flowers of many kinds. There are even orchids. There are also vignettes set amongst the plants. One is a tiny round door with a clothes line holding small clothing hanging out to dry. It looks like the door to a hobbit's home. There are huge stained glass butterflies and smaller copper ones, looking like prehistoric colourful creatures in the ancient jungle. There is even a large carved stone face and archway that resembles some ancient wonder, covered over by time and jungle growth. A path meanders around the small jungle, so it is easy to see all the plants and displays. Many of the plants are labelled. You can also find a small fish pond on one side. If you want to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere, there are benches along the path .

From the exit into the rest of the conservatory you can find the Floral Display Gallery in the Assiniboine Park Conservatory. The displays are changed at least ten times a year, so chances are when you return you will be treated to another creative display. The last time we went, the theme was Alice in Wonderland. The room had been set up with rose bushes of red and white, a topiary tea party set next to the Mad Hatter's top hat, giant playing cards, pots of red and white paint, a giant mushroom and a balcony for the Queen of Hearts with her red dress on display. Each display is carefully thought out and executed.

Next to the Floral Display Garden in the Assiniboine Park Conservatory is a small gift shop with interesting gifts for purchase. Many of them are garden related.

If you crave something to eat or drink in this lovely setting, there is also a charming a tea shop/restaurant to try. They serve light meals.

If you like horticulture, then be sure to make a little trip to The Assiniboine Park Conservatory when you go to Winnipeg. Admission is free.