The Toledo Zoo - Plants and Horticulture

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Plants and Horticulture

Ziems Conservatory

Conservatory and Gardens
The Ziems Conservatory was originally built in 1904 and is home to a variety of tropical plants. Growing under the glass roof can be found species of bananas, palms, ferns, bromeliads, and an array of other plants from around the world.

Adjacent to the Conservatory are other special gardens, each with a distinct theme. Our rose garden holds approximately 200 roses with varieties of hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and climbers, all flowering throughout the growing season.

phalaenopsis orchid

A butterfly garden, located near the rose garden, features plants that attract butterflies and interpretive graphics that inform visitors about the wonders of these marvelous creatures. For a quiet moment, step into our secluded formal garden where you'll be surrounded by an assortment of perennials, annuals, and woody plants.

The Zoo's horticulture staff is also responsible for our popular Lights Before Christmas display, which features over 1 million lights and more than 200 animal images.

Seasonal Changes in the Gardens
Click here to see photos and descriptions of seasonal changes in our gardens and landscaping.

Beautiful Photographs
(Coming soon!) View incredible garden photos by the horticulture staff.

Challenges of Horticulture at the Zoo
The Zoo's horticulture staff may create beautiful landscaping and gardens that our visitors enjoy, but they also take care of the plants and trees found in the Zoo's animal exhibits as well. This poses several unique challenges for the horticulture staff. They must work with the zoo keeper staff to ensure that the plants and trees in an animal's exhibit are safe for the animal, and also to coordinate a schedule for trimming, pruning, and other upkeep. If animals eat or destroy the plants in their exhibits, horticulture staff members have to restore the plant life as needed. It also requires that the horticulture team starts their days extra early so that the exhibits are clean and ready when the animals come outside from their holding areas.