I went to a cactus/succulent show at a botanical garden for my birthday!

The show had this neat bromeliad/air plant installation set up. The cacti and stuff they had for sale were like...not exactly the kinds of things I was looking for, but it was interesting being around hardcore Plant People and overhearing conversations.

But, I ended up not buying anything hahaha. Which was fine, because the main thing I was there to see was...

...The conservatory!!! I live pretty far away from this place; the show just felt like a nice excuse.

I worked hilariously hard at trying to get these photos without any people in them. I need you to understand this.

I tried putting my hand in this one for size reference, but even then I don't think it did it justice. Had no idea Golden Barrels could get this big. It probably weighed more than me. A BIG BOY.

I have so many drawing references now (yay).

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My mom bought me a little Ficus Shivereana from the conservatory's giftshop... ;-; I think it was an extra propagation from their greenhouses (given the overly reasonable $4 price). The idea that I got to bring home a little piece of the place is really charming to me.

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From that point on, we went walking in the nearby nature trails. I haven't been able to go hiking at all in the last two years, so this was a nice walk.

Tortle...

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We were very close to an Ikea, so on the way home my mom got me a little cabinet to use as a greenhouse cabinet for my birthday... Thank you, Mom. T_T

Overall, a really nice day.