Vancouver Park Board

Bloedel Conservatory Turns 35

with Beautiful Holiday Displays!

Opening day at the
Bloedel Conservatory, Dec 6, 1969.

December 6, 2004 - One of the city's icons, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, celebrates its 35th opening anniversary on December 6th. Made possible through a generous $1.25 million donation by lumber industrialist Prentice Bloedel, the facility was dedicated to the cultivation of plants and horticulture throughout the world.

Prior to the construction, Park Board Deputy Superintendent and horticulturalist William Livingstone was dispatched on a trip to survey the great conservatories of the world, also courtesy of Mr. Bloedel. The triodetic dome facility sporting 1490 plexiglass bubbles was the result of his research making Vancouver's the first of its kind and featuring a diverse variety of plants, trees and shrubs from the different climactic zones of the globe.

Since its dramatic opening 35 years ago, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory has become home to over 100 free flying birds featuring dozens of species so aptly displayed in the now mature "gardens under glass". As well, resident macaws, cockatoos and parrots make a visit to the conservatory a timely treat in any season.

Bloedel Floral Conservatory is now dressed in its holiday finery with hundreds of multi-coloured poinsettias, amaryllis, tender narcissus and twinkling white lights adding festive touches to this tropical paradise of plants. This is a wonderful place to purchase reasonably priced seasonal gift plants, not to mention an escape from the sometimes dreary winter weather. Why not combine a lunch at Seasons Restaurant with a walk in the Bloedel Conservatory? The warmth and scent alone will transport any winter blues away.

Bloedel Floral Conservatory is open daily 10 am to 5 pm except December 25th.