Share Volunteer Park Conservatory
and support Friends of the Conservatory
Your contributions help us connect people with horticulture at the Volunteer Park Conservatory, enhance the visitor experience, preserve the historic structures, and sustain the plant collections for future generations.
What can you do?
Purchase gifts in the Palm House Gift Shop
Bring friends and family for a visit
Upcoming Activities
Join us for our Spring Intro to Orchid Care and Repotting with local Orchid expert Mike Cory
$20 per ticket
The 36th Annual Sogetsu Society’s Exhibition and Demonstration
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Enjoy free Conservatory admission from 10 am to 4 pm. This occurs each month on the first Thursday.
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Introduction to Orchids and their care.
The orchid family (Orchidacea) is one of the largest and most diverse plant families. It possibly
represents 10% of the flowering plant species. There are between 20,000 and 35,000 species
(about 800 genera) and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. There are 41 native
terrestrial orchid species in Washington State. Orchids are characterized by having highly
specialized flower adaptations usually for pollination by insects.
This class will cover the physical characteristics of orchids, care and feeding of the plants. Each
student is encourages to bring up to 3 of their plants for evaluation and possible repotting. The
lecture and demonstration portion of the class will be one hour followed by the evaluation and
repotting demonstrations for an hour.
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March 28th 11am to 4pm
March 29th 11am to 3pm
Ikebana Demonstration 1:30 to 2:30pm
Programming: Education + Cultural Arts Events
A glimpse into the lower greenhouse. Photo credit: Paige Smith.
Expanding understanding of our natural world through science and horticulture education and offering experiential cultural arts events is at the heart of everything we do. Enjoy our guided tours and information on our rare plant collection, unique workshops, and music-dance-visual arts events that connect community in our “living botany museum.” Check out our offerings and find a variety of enriching and inclusive events and activities that celebrate science, arts & culture, history, architecture, music, and more.
Advocating for Preservation
For more than 40 years, the Friends of the Conservatory has led the effort to preserve the Volunteer Park Conservatory raising more than $3million for restorations and improvements. We partner with Seattle Parks & Recreation in maintaining our Conservatory, welcoming community into our spaces, and engaging in public advocacy campaigns to improve this living landmark. Learn more about our Historic Preservation in the Get Involved section.
A Community of Volunteers
FOC Volunteer Keith (seated) and FOC Board Member John at the May Plant Sale. Photo credit: Christopher Miller.
The Conservatory needs people like you! Every year, community members donate over 3,500 hours to the Friends of the Conservatory. Share your ‘super powers,’ meet folks, and learn new skills while you contribute to education, arts programming, and conservation. There are many opportunities available - event support, social media, Plant Sales, Gift Shop sales, outreach, graphic art and lots more. We’re growing everyday with your active participation at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!