Wait a minute! Isn't this a blog about Vienna, Austria? What's this about orchids and rainforests? Well that's what Jerry and I saw on Saturday, and not only in Vienna, but just down the road from us in Hirschstetten. For those of you to whom Transdanubia might as well be on the border of Siberia, Hirshstetten is one of the exits off the Sueosttangente once you have crossed the Prater Bridge. The 22nd district is made up of several former villages, and the main street of Hirschstetten (Deer place) could be any farming village North East of Vienna - until you get far enough that you can see around the corner to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Go past it (left at the end of the village) and right after the cemetery on the left is the entrance to the parking for the Blumengaerten Hirschstetten. This is where most of the plants are raised for the various gardens of the City of Vienna. We once visited the greenhouses on a special occasion. That is usually not possible, but the Palmenhaus can be visited. The central part of it is kept at rainforest conditions. The signs all say to be sure to close all doors because of free-living monkeys. We didn't see them, but between the wonderful collection of plants we also a variety of terrariums holding a lovely iguana, turtles, a squirrel-like creature, giant snails, frogs, and other creatures. There was also a pool with koi, some of which were quite large. The side areas were not as hot or as humid, and had different vegetation.
Right now (Until Sunday, February 10) most of the visitors were going right instead of straight into the Palm house. A ways back, in one of the greenhouses is a lovely orchid exhibit. There were a vast assortment of all colours and shapes of orchids, and a few other tropical plants. Exhibits by botanical gardens and orchid clubs alternated with stands by garden shops that specialize in orchids, and a large proportion to those leaving the exhibit had bought a plant, orchid earth, fertilizer, or something of the sort. I like growing herbs and vegetables, but I don't do as well with flowers, even in the garden, and houseplants just don't survive, although I was almost temped by the cacti labeled 'winter hard'. But I've also done a fair job of killing cacti before. I might have been tempted by the vanilla plants if there hadn't been a long explanation posted about how difficult it is to turn the green pods into the brown sticks we buy. However it was fascinating to spend time looking at all the flowers, and breathing in the various aromas in the greenhouse.
Other Palm Houses in Vienna that can be visited are at the Hofburg and Schoenbrunn palace. The one at Schoenbrunn has been in the news recently. A few years back it was renovated. No expense was spared in replacing the old glass. At the same time it was decided that as the 'Sisi Palm', the largest they had and very old, needed repotting, it would be easier to plant it down into the earth, rather than to find a pot the right size for it. Well, the plant seems to have liked that, as it has had a growth spurt, and has now reached the top of the building, and threatens to break through. If you want to see this plant, you have to hurry, as in a few weeks the Palm House will be closed for a day or two to allow the gardeners to cut it down. They will first cut off all the leaves, then remove the trunk a meter or so at a time to be sure not to damage any of the other plants.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Laxenburg Park
Saturday was a lovely day, and we wanted to get out into the sun. This time we headed to Laxenburg, just South of Vienna. The park there is a nice size for a family walk.
The gardens and buildings date from the 18th century. The large pond has a castle on the island in the middle. This is the way a castle ought to look - and medieval ones never do. Steven was interested to see that skating is possible on the lake if it gets cold enough. Yes, it would be fun to skate around the castle. In the summer there is a boat rental and apparently the bridge we crossed on is replaced by a ferry. Tours are available of the castle, and there is also a cafe there - in the summer.
In the rest of the grounds we saw a tourney ground - apparently used, as jumps were set up inside. We saw deer in the woods, and horses with riders in a meadow. There were a variety of statues, ruins, a 'Greek temple' and similar things to see all along the paths. One couple was feeding the ducks from one bridge, and we saw swans on the pond. At least one of the fallen trees was labeled 'Kletterbaum'. Most of the visitors seemed to be young families. The paved paths with only gentle slopes are well suited to pushing baby carriages. Young children had lots to look at while walking. We came across a large playground, with lovely looking chairs to lie back on and relax in all around the playground, but the children seemed to be everywhere else in the park, and not there. There were also signs for minigolf, but we didn't get to that corner.
To get there by car either drive out Laxenburgerstrasse from Sued Tiroler Platz or take the Suedautobahn to Wiener Neudorf and turn left. As you drive through the town signs for Parking 1 will take you right to the entrance. There is free parking both outside and inside. Adults pay a small entrance fee, but children are free - even above the age limit if they are school children.
The gardens and buildings date from the 18th century. The large pond has a castle on the island in the middle. This is the way a castle ought to look - and medieval ones never do. Steven was interested to see that skating is possible on the lake if it gets cold enough. Yes, it would be fun to skate around the castle. In the summer there is a boat rental and apparently the bridge we crossed on is replaced by a ferry. Tours are available of the castle, and there is also a cafe there - in the summer.
In the rest of the grounds we saw a tourney ground - apparently used, as jumps were set up inside. We saw deer in the woods, and horses with riders in a meadow. There were a variety of statues, ruins, a 'Greek temple' and similar things to see all along the paths. One couple was feeding the ducks from one bridge, and we saw swans on the pond. At least one of the fallen trees was labeled 'Kletterbaum'. Most of the visitors seemed to be young families. The paved paths with only gentle slopes are well suited to pushing baby carriages. Young children had lots to look at while walking. We came across a large playground, with lovely looking chairs to lie back on and relax in all around the playground, but the children seemed to be everywhere else in the park, and not there. There were also signs for minigolf, but we didn't get to that corner.
To get there by car either drive out Laxenburgerstrasse from Sued Tiroler Platz or take the Suedautobahn to Wiener Neudorf and turn left. As you drive through the town signs for Parking 1 will take you right to the entrance. There is free parking both outside and inside. Adults pay a small entrance fee, but children are free - even above the age limit if they are school children.
The library
Saturday, Steven and I went to the main Vienna library. If you haven't discovered it yet, try it out. In fact, you have probably seen it. You know that modern brick building between the inner and outer guertel roads with the long staircase going up the outside? That's it.
The library is easily reached by U-bahn: It is above the U6 station Urban Loritz Platz - Stadthalle. To drive, take the Guertel around. There are a limited number of Kurzpark spots. Alternatively you can park in the garage of Lugner City and walk across the bridge. Both can be reached from the outer Guertel. Stay left for the Kurzpark places in the parallel lane or right for the garage.
To borrow books or other media you will need a card. This costs a small amount for adults, but is free for children. With the card you can borrow books for four weeks. Other media: videos, DVDs, CDs, CD-roms cost an additional Euro for two weeks. Overdues cost .60 per week. However, with the possibility of renewing online, you shouldn't really have overdues very often, unless you get carried away and borrow the full 25 items you are allowed at once.
The collection of English language fiction was recently greatly enlarged. For non-fiction, the books are mixed into the rest of the collection. There are quite a few books in English in the science and technology section, and there are usually some on display. There are also a fair number of children's books in English. DVDs, of course, are usually multi-lingual, but the video section also has several in English. You can check the catalog either at the library or at home on-line. I also like to check out the section of books on Vienna and Austria to learn more about things we have recently visited. Here nearly everything is in German, but even if you don't read German you might want to borrow books of historical pictures of your district. Of course needlework patterns are usable whatever language the book is written in. Books of music are also there, including those with practice CDs. Whatever your instrument or genre, you will find something to play or sing.
If you don't have internet at home, there is the possibility to go online at the library. Steven does this during school vacations, as we keep his computer off the web. The library is also a great place for people watching. It is one place where you really do believe the figures that 30% of those living in Vienna are immigrants.
The library is easily reached by U-bahn: It is above the U6 station Urban Loritz Platz - Stadthalle. To drive, take the Guertel around. There are a limited number of Kurzpark spots. Alternatively you can park in the garage of Lugner City and walk across the bridge. Both can be reached from the outer Guertel. Stay left for the Kurzpark places in the parallel lane or right for the garage.
To borrow books or other media you will need a card. This costs a small amount for adults, but is free for children. With the card you can borrow books for four weeks. Other media: videos, DVDs, CDs, CD-roms cost an additional Euro for two weeks. Overdues cost .60 per week. However, with the possibility of renewing online, you shouldn't really have overdues very often, unless you get carried away and borrow the full 25 items you are allowed at once.
The collection of English language fiction was recently greatly enlarged. For non-fiction, the books are mixed into the rest of the collection. There are quite a few books in English in the science and technology section, and there are usually some on display. There are also a fair number of children's books in English. DVDs, of course, are usually multi-lingual, but the video section also has several in English. You can check the catalog either at the library or at home on-line. I also like to check out the section of books on Vienna and Austria to learn more about things we have recently visited. Here nearly everything is in German, but even if you don't read German you might want to borrow books of historical pictures of your district. Of course needlework patterns are usable whatever language the book is written in. Books of music are also there, including those with practice CDs. Whatever your instrument or genre, you will find something to play or sing.
If you don't have internet at home, there is the possibility to go online at the library. Steven does this during school vacations, as we keep his computer off the web. The library is also a great place for people watching. It is one place where you really do believe the figures that 30% of those living in Vienna are immigrants.
Starting Vienna blog
So far I have included posts about Vienna and outings nearby in my needlework blog, marthajeanne.blogspot.com, but it seems to me that it might be easier to keep them separate. So I have started marthajeanne-vienna.blogspot.com for those posts.
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