July 24, 2026: The Conservatory

Have you ever seen a night-blooming cereus bloom?

I haven’t either.

I have two of them in hanging pots. About three weeks ago, one of them started to bud. I was so excited! I hear they are very aromatic when they open. But they only open for one night, and by morning their job is (hopefully) done and they wilt. Well, it didn’t bloom until two days after we left for vacation (photo credit, Tori, who was also taking care of our dog), so I am still left empty-nosed.

There are several more of these plants in the Andrews Botanical Conservatory, but I don’t typically hang out there at night – so I have always missed those one-night blooms! Why the rush, cereus?!

There are many more reasons to visit the Conservatory, however. Warmth in the winter, a place to meet friends, a cozy study nook. The beauty of God’s creation.

“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” Jer 32:17 ESV

I hope you can visit the Conservatory sometime. We were recently part of a US Department of Education grant designed to support at-risk and disadvantaged students – some of these funds were used for upgrades to the Conservatory to help students spend time in nature even during the winter. We have been adding furniture (whew, that stuff was hard to put together!) and new plants, for your enjoyment, wellbeing, and educational advancement, and look forward to sharing this with you! Perhaps we should update its name to ‘resort’ 😊.

If you still aren’t sure why you should visit, see our social media accounts for a reel of ideas!

Have a Happy Sabbath and a great week ahead!