Spring ephermerals

Pink Lady's Slipper

A pair of thick veined leaves frame a single flowering stalk capped with a pouchlike pink bloom. These lovely flowers resemble dance slippers, fit for a fairy princess on her way to a ball.

Dutchman's Breeches

Pink Lady's Slipper

Sparkling white flowers dangle from pendant pedicels in elongate racemes. They look like pants hanging upside down on a clothesline.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Pink Lady's Slipper

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Cuplike flowers feature a hooded top, or a spathe. From the center of the cup, a pollen-bearing spike peeks out, resembling a figure in a pulpit. One imagines Parson Jack delivering a sermon to the forest creatures.

GarGoyles at RPG

Gargoyles from the Old Euclid Avenue Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad (Photo-1)

About Gargoyles

For thousands of years, gargoyles were common architectural features on all types of buildings. Like modern day gutters, gargoyles had spouts that diverted rainwater away from buildings. This helped prevent the erosion of the mortar that held buildings together. Later, especially in movies, gargoyles became associated with fantastical creatures.

RPG Gargoyles

In addition to its treasure trove of plants, flowers, and exotic trees, RPG is home to some unique art objects. Photo-1 displays a collection of terra cotta gargoyles from the former Euclid Avenue Station, a major stop along the old Pennsylvania Railroad route. The pieces were moved to RPG when the station was demolished in the 1970s.

Memorial Plaque (Photo-2)

The Pennsylvania Railroad was part of the Conrail network, which included the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and the New York Central Railroad. The Cleveland operations dated back to 1836. (Encyclopedia of Cleveland History)

The plaque states in part, "Gargoyles and Mementos from the Old Pennsylvania Railroad Euclid Avenue Station 1901-1973."

Full Display (Photo-3

The display (just one of many at RPG) is artfully mounted on the panels of a brick wall near the entrance to the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse indoor showroom.

Gargoyle hunting is a favorite pastime of many architectural enthusiasts. Today, with the destruction of so many older buildings, architectural gargoyles are becoming extinct. However, gargoyle statutes are popular focal points in gardens and retreats. RPG is happy to preserve and host this fine collection of Cleveland's own gargoyles.

Support and Giving

Join, Donate, or Gift a Membership in 2021

Your support provides much needed assistance in enabling the Friends of Greenhouse to continue programs and services, especially during this challenging time.

Ways to help:

Download a form today and become a Friends of Greenhouse (FOG) member.
Buy an inscribed brick (name of your choice) that will be placed in the Willott Iris Garden.
Make a donation; no matter how small donations are deeply appreciated.
Purchase a gift membership (for when RPG reopens). It will provide lasting memories.

Tap the Membership Levels button below for details.

Membership Levels

Discover us

Friends of Greenhouse (FOG)

FOG is a not-for-profit group that supports Greenhouse activities including the Garden’s beautiful plant displays and essential educational programs.

About the Greenhouse

A Cleveland gem, the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is a City-owned botanical garden and greenhouse that is open to the public seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Admission is free.

Gardens and Displays

Situated on four peaceful and lush acres, the Greenhouse features a variety of specialty plant collections, seasonal floral displays, and spectacular theme gardens-- including the Betty Ott Talking Garden for the Blind.