The Botanical Gardens of the New Mexico Biopark, located here in Albuquerque, are one of my favorite places in the world. The vast and varied array of plant life is an unending display of beauty, a perfect oasis in the middle of the desert. Most would think that January is a poor time to visit any gardens, but the Biopark Gardens are so diverse, and so well taken care of, that they offer gorgeous displays year round.
One of the ways they manage to do this is with the two geodesic temperature controlled indoor gardens. One for desert flora, the other a perfect reproduction of the Mediterranean climate. Mimicking the coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea, the garden provides the perfect home for plants like oleander, olive trees, and a variety of blooms and blossoms.
An enormous carob tree grows nearly to the ceiling, making it a stunning centerpiece along with gigantic Mediterranean palms and a softly trickling water display.
When the conservatory isn't burgeoning with plant life, it is affixed with lovely murals which invoke images of leisure and luxury.
All around there are blooms, making the Mediterranean Conservatory the perfect getaway from the winter weather. As you stroll through the orchids and bougainvillea, you may forget you are in the desert and instead feel as though you've been carried away to a lovely Mediterranean isle.
