Susan Durisek’s blog

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Pittsburgh has been chosen as the site of a welcome dinner hosted by President and First Lady Obama for the G-20 Summit leaders and spouses on September 24.  When Considering productive and positive ‘green’ directions for the world economy, what more appropriate, beautiful and symbolic choice of location could there be than in this large, historic Victorian glasshouse built in 1893, in an institution which has become a leader today in green building practices?  The earth-sheltered Welcome Center entry, which debuted in 2005, followed the next year by a 12,000 square foot Tropical Forest Conservatory which is said to be the most energy efficient in the world, are worth a visit for long look.  Anyone who has visited such greenhouses, and experienced their uplifting, refreshing and growing environment knows that the image of their lucsh space sticks well as a model for what our own garden homes can be.  What an inspiration for world leaders.  Subsequent summit meetings will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, which was the first convention center in the world to be awarded a LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

For more information about the Phipps Conservatory, and how you can visit, click HERE.  Thinking about a Fall Getaway?  Pittsburgh is about a 6 ½ hour drive from Lexington.  The Frabel  glass exhibit is up until January.

(photo credit: VisitPittsburgh)