Most San Francisco tourists who are familiar with Golden Gate Park know about the Conservatory of Flowers. Since it's opening in 1879 the conservatory has hosted millions of visitors from around the globe. There are over 1700 species of plants at the conservatory representing a wide variety of specimens from more than 50 countries. A visitor can view many of the unusual displays, from the rivers of Brazil to the jungles of Sumatra, located in 5 different galleries hosting aquatic plants, highland jungle plants and lowland tropical plants.
The Conservatory is one of San Francisco's most prized city monuments. This May a new special exhibition will be on view to the public. The Edible Collection will demonstrate food in it's natural state. Visitor's can view food and spices commonly consumed as they grow in the wild. A tour of the demonstration gardens will turn up a plethora of tasty products that are enjoyed from other countries such as chocolate, vanilla, coffee, rice and many different spices. A visitor can participate in demonstrations that explain the process from growth to the table. There will also be demonstrations for children that will allow them to explore roots, leaves, fruits and seeds. The exhibit is open May 7 though November 1, 2009.
