Amorphophallus titanum: Corpse Flower in Bloom

Many Thursday mornings I walk with a group from the American Women’s Club. We enjoy each other’s company as we wander along the lake, the river, or into beautiful gardens. Last Thursday we were treated to a rare occurrence, the blooming of the Amorphophallus titanum. Also known as the Stinky Corpse Flower.

Our walk took us to the Botanical Garden where we waited in this line. I think it took us at least 30 minutes to reach the flower, but it was probably longer. I did not keep track. Too busy socializing.

The Amorphophallus titanum is the largest blooming flower in the world. It has a putrid odor, like rotting flesh. Various sources have it blooming every 2-3 years, or up to every 8 years. I heard that this one last bloomed 4 years ago.

Here’s a close-up.

The line was even longer when we left.

More photos at glampinginswitzerland’s Instagram.

Botanical Garden in Zürich

Just down the street from the Villa Patumbah is another free garden to explore. I had been here in 2014, and I’m not sure why I hadn’t been back this time. Spring is definitely a good time to visit the University of Zürich (UZH) Botanical Gardens.

I was there on a sunny day, but the three greenhouses would be a perfect place visit on a cold or rainy day, too.

So many lovely textures.

And patterns.

Even though we were too early for tulips in the Netherlands, I’ve been seeing many around Switzerland.

More photos at glampinginswitzerland’s Instagram.

Biking Around Zürich

When you borrow a free Züri Rollt bike in Zürich, here are some of the fun places you can to show your visiting family.

Ride along the lakefront and see some of the sculptures.

Go to the Botanical Gardens.

Have a Mövenpick Ice Cream Cone.

Go into the parking structure underneath the Opera house and look at the archaeology exhibit.

Where do YOU like to take your guests in Zürich?