Escape the Autumn Blues: Discover the Tropical Oasis of Fata Morgana!
Fata Morgana Tropical Greenhouse is a contemporary structure featuring a distinctive, elongated floor plan that is integrated into the natural rocky landscape. The uneven rock surface that acts as the greenhouse’s back wall is utilized for planting. This design results in a stunning exhibition area covering approximately 1750 m2, making Fata Morgana a truly one-of-a-kind location in Europe. The inside of the greenhouse is split into three different sections each with varying temperature and humidity. The plants are grouped based on significant phytogeographical regions, arranged to illustrate natural plant communities.
The initial section of the exhibition focuses on the dry tropics and subtropics. Visitors are welcomed by a dry Australian bush and a showcase of special plants from the island of Madagascar. They will also discover xeric (drought-resistant) foliage from southern Mexico and various regions in Africa, with Cape Namaqualand and the Little Karoo being particularly notable. The central and largest section of the greenhouse represents the lowland humid rainforest (humid) tropics. It is linked to the succulent area by an underground pathway carved into the rock, which provides a viewpoint at both ends of two large freshwater aquariums teeming with various tropical fish and additional wildlife.
The majority of the tropical forest features plant life from South America and select areas in Central America, while other parts highlight flora from Australia and Oceania, Africa and Madagascar, Vietnam, the Sunda Islands, and the Philippines. Guests can once again relish observing life in tropical lakes, this time from an elevated position, or they can take a moment to pause on the observation deck and enjoy the sounds of a nearby waterfall, immersing themselves in the forest atmosphere. The final, cooler area of the greenhouse brings attention to the extreme conditions of high-altitude environments. It showcases Plants from the Andes Mountains in America, as well as mountainous regions in mainland and island Asia and subtropical southern Africa. The focal point of the display highlights rare vegetation from the table mountains of Venezuela, known as tepuí.
The jungle that never sleeps
Starting from 14 November to 13 December 2025 , you can experience an evening guided tour of the Fata Morgana greenhouse called The Jungle That Doesn’t Sleep. This nighttime exploration of the exhibition offers a completely different perspective compared to visiting during the day. Certain plant species bloom after dark and emit captivating fragrances, while the greenhouse resonates with the sounds of tropical frogs. These evening tours take place on Fridays and Saturdays in six groups from 17 to 20 hours. It is important to reserve your spot in advance. During these evening strolls through the exotic displays, the sense of sight is less of a focus. Instead, visitors can engage their other senses, such as hearing and smell. The alluring scent of flowers that attract nighttime butterflies is especially enchanting. One such plant is hymenocallis, a wetland type found in the swamps and riverbanks of Central and South America.
What else does Troy Botanical have in store for this fall?
There’s constantly something exciting happening at the Troy Botanical Garden. Until November 2, 2025, visitors can enjoy the familiar pumpkin exhibition entitled Pumpkin Autumn, this year with the theme Haunted Forest! Don’t miss this special showcase featuring a diverse range of pumpkin varieties. The pumpkin displays can serve as inspiration for your own autumn decorations.
Let your creativity shine during the last weekend in October, on 25 and 26 October 2025, when you have the chance to participate in pumpkin carving and the creation of pumpkin lanterns. These workshops will take place in the indoor exhibition hall in the Ornamental Garden, regardless of the weather.
The last day of October is traditionally celebrated in the Botanical Garden as Halloween. In the afternoon, until sunset, children and families can enjoy plenty of fun, games, and especially pumpkin carving in the Ornamental Garden. Join us for an enchanting Halloween evening. Beginning at 2 pm, the real Halloween festivities will kick off with pumpkin decorating and lantern-making. Pumpkins will be available for purchase on site, and visitors can bring their own tools or rent them on the premises. Exciting competitions and fun challenges for children will also take place.
