Fragrant orchids, pristine lilies, and delicate azaleas burst forth around you, and a splendor of deep magenta, indigo, and goldenrod yellow greets your weary eyes. A sigh escapes, and you're transported to paradise. Outside, the blistering winds of winter rage on, but you've already forgotten about it.
"It's a cocoon of beauty and warmth and very much a healing place," said Tyra Shenaurlt, a horticulturist at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma's Wright Park. "People have a huge connection with plants, and the conservatory reduces stress with the abundance of color, fresh air, and warmth. It's great for winter blues."
Built in 1908, the distinctive 12-sided central dome that is the glass conservatory is listed on the city, state, and national historic registers. Nestled in Wright Park, the Victorian-style structure consists of 3,500 panes of glass and holds more than 200 species of exotic tropical plants, (including a permanent collection of rare botanicals) and a rotating exhibit of floral displays featuring a large variety of plants and flowers.  
With a different theme each month - from paper-whites and poinsettias in December and spring early daffodils in January to Valentine's Day hearts, summer sunflowers and Halloween haunts amidst mums - the colors, smells, and shapes of the conservatory are always changing and growing.
"We didn't know this place existed," said longtime residents Margaret and Charlotte.
Every second Sunday, the conservatory has live music and performances, and once a month it hosts story hour. Monthly guided meditation hours and tea/education sessions recently began, and yoga is planned for 2012. There are also tours and rentals, sales of plants and a gift shop that highlights local artisan arts and crafts. The conservatory has membership benefits, which include early admission, discounts, and advance notice of special events.   
 "Two weeks ago, this guy proposed to his girlfriend near the pond with the Koi and goldfish," said Shernaurlt, "and people have weddings and come back to take anniversary pictures, too."
A donation of $4 to $5 is the suggested admission. Visit www.metroparkstacoma.org/conservatory or call (253) 591-5330 for hours, location and schedules. 

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