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THE GREAT GREENHOUSE (BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES)

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE GREAT COMMENTS

 

THE GREAT GREENHOUSE

 

Rising from the earth

Space like vision of beauty

Treasure of plantlife

 

By Henrhyde

 

 

 

The Great Glasshouse

This spectacular dome is the largest single span glasshouse in the world, designed by Norman Foster Poised on the Welsh landscape like a giant raindrop, it protects and conserves some of the most endangered plants on the planet.

These plants come from six areas of the world: California, Australia, the Canary Islands, Chile, South Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, and the Great Glasshouse is zoned to reflect this. Each of these geographical areas has regions that enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Hot dry summers, cool moist winters, dazzling sunlight, strong breezes and the occasional ground-clearing fire create perfect conditions for many plants to thrive on the scrubby, rock-strewn landscapes. In fact, it’s so perfect that most of these plants grow nowhere else on Earth. Although these regions cover less than 2% of the Earth’s surface, they contain more than 20% of all known flowering plant species, and the plant diversity are considered second only in importance to tropical habitats. Due to human activity, these habitats are now threatened as the rainforests, and our Great Glasshouse is dedicated to conserving their endangered plants.

At first glance, it is not obvious that the plants come from six different places in the world. This is because they share many qualities, such as small leathery evergreen leaves and dense shrubby forms . As you explore, you will find yourself travelling across continents and countries within a few steps. The imaginative flowing landscape on which these plants thrive, covers 3,500 square metres. Its rocky terraces, sandstone cliffs and gravelled scree slopes, are contoured to reflect the natural environment and to create a wide range of habitats. Balancing light and shade and varying moisture levels to suit the needs of different plants.

 

A magical visit—not to be missed.

Part of the glorious BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES

 

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Uploaded on August 12, 2012
Taken on July 30, 2012