It’s now March and spring fever is hitting Cleveland in a big way. Bouts of sunshine have lured me out from my cozy apartment to play, but cold temperatures send me right back in. Though we have a solid month to wait before we see any green vegetation outside, immediate relief is just down the street.
It’s time to capitalize on our urges and venture out to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, located at 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106. They are currently holding the annual Orchid Mania event, which showcases an amazing array of these magnetic flowers. As the website states:
“Exotic and alluring. Fragrant and fanciful. Orchids of every shape, color, size and scent will arouse your senses during one of the Garden’s most popular and beautiful plant shows. Orchid Mania immerses you among thousands of blooms, with a wide variety of orchids.”
If you’ve never visited the Botanical Gardens before, now is a great time to give them a look. On any summer day, the plants and animals there are stunning, but now that you haven’t seen lush outdoor flora in months, walking into the garden is almost mind blowing. As you drive to the building, you’ll notice the Cleveland Museum of Art is close by and may want to add that to your agenda. A well lit parking garage with underground entrance makes your arrival easy. Note: Be sure to take a ticket when you enter to validate inside. The entrance to the gardens is a nondescript door linked to the garage, so don’t feel lost when you approach. You’re in the right place.
Take the elevator to the main floor, pay for entry, validate your parking ticket, and let the feeling of Spring begin. The main lobby contains a large orchid display around a classic car, stage, and gift shop. As you pass through this main floor you will discover a small kitchen which offers a light menu, and orchid inspired dresses constructed by Kent State Fashion students. Scattered through all of this are beautiful orchid installations loaded with cascading blooms. Take your time seeing and smelling everything!
The Cleveland Botanical Gardens are made up of two huge greenhouses of opposing climates. The larger of the two gets most of the attention and has a feel similar to a rainforest’s. This greenhouse houses an enormous tree that jets two stories up and scrapes the windowed ceiling. Vines and plants cover the tree along with almost every rock formation and palm. Butterflies dance in the mist-filled air as you make your way from plant to plant. You can hear song birds and waterfalls as you soak up the sun through the windows. The gardens are always full of life, but the orchid show brings more color and fragrance than usual. Hundreds of these flowers are nestled along pathways both in the upstairs canopy and on the ground floor.
The second greenhouse mimics a desert climate. This too has a large tree in the center and a windowed ceiling, but is naturally not as lush or bountiful as the forest. You can find cacti and birds in this greenhouse along with bugs and some pretty awesome turtles. The orchid show does continue into the desert exhibit which pops against the barren tan landscape. Unfortunately, the desert garden only offers ground floor vantage points unlike the forest canopy.
When preparing for your visit to the botanical garden, I would suggest a light jacket since you’ll only be walking in a parking garage to the door. Contrary to what you might think, the temperature in the greenhouses is in the low to mid 70s so you won’t get too hot. If you’re on a date, you can wear a dress, but pants are just fine with some flat shoes. Note: The floors in the forest canopy are a little slick with all the mist. When it comes to color, I usually keep my palate dark and cool but it’s different when I’m visiting the botanical gardens. It’s super dorky, but I try to wear something with bright colors or floral looking to attract butterflies (I love when they land on me).
There are also extensive outdoor gardens which are closed this time of year. Though they are seasonal, they are definitely worth the trip in the warmer months. Orchid Mania wraps up this week, so be sure make time for this great floral show.
Hours
January 31 – March 8
Tuesdays, Thursdays – Saturdays · 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesdays · 10 am – 9 pm
Sundays · 12 pm – 5 pm
Tickets
Adults: $12.00
Children (3 – 12): $6.00
Children under 3: FREE
Garden Members: FREE
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