Because the garden was constantly bathed in warm, slightly mineralized air from the harbor, Lustomic selectively bred orchids that could thrive in coastal conditions that would kill standard varieties.
Where else can you smell a Brassavola nodosa while watching a massive Maersk cargo ship glide silently behind a chain-link fence? Where else can you discuss cattleya hybrids with a retired longshoreman who has calloused hands and a PhD in plant pathology? lustomic orchid garden terminal island
By 1974, the had officially opened its gates. Using a complex system of heat exchangers connected to the adjacent power station, Lustomic maintained a steady 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) climate year-round, regardless of the chilly coastal fog outside. What was once a barren industrial buffer zone became a 2.5-acre jungle of Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Vandas, and Phalaenopsis. Why Terminal Island? The Unlikely Microclimate You might ask: Why didn't they build this in Hawaii or Florida? The answer is logistics and energy efficiency. Because the garden was constantly bathed in warm,
Have you visited the Lustomic Orchid Garden? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. And if you know of other hidden botanical wonders in industrial zones, we want to hear about them. By 1974, the had officially opened its gates