A Botanical Garden in Seattle Is Livestreaming Plants to Help You Relax

If you need a little digital escape now's the time to follow the Volunteer Park Conservatory on Instagram.

During any other time the conservatory, located in Seattle, would welcome guests with open arms. There, guests can explore the historic landmark and its Victorian glasshouse, which it calls "a true jewel in the crown of Seattle Parks."

The glasshouse, it explained, is modeled after London's Crystal Palace, and has been the anchor Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill since 1912. Though it is surrounded by gorgeous and expansive lawns, the true gem is inside.

The greenhouse in the glass house is made up of five different temperate houses, each of which showcases different tropical and subtropical plant life. And, as we said, at any other time, you can go see if for yourself. However, right now, the conservatory is closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, fear not, because it too is live streaming its views.

The conservatory took to Instagram to share its gorgeous flora and fauna with the world via live stream.

"We feel that it's really important for people to connect to the Conservatory even though they can't visit for now," they told Travel + Leisure. "The Conservatory has always been a place for members of our community to connect with nature and each other. We hope that the live streams still helps give people a sense of calm and well-being during these uncertain times. Our streaming depends on the gardeners maintenance, but happens in the afternoons around 2 p.m. 7 days a week."

And really, this live stream may be good for your health. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, spending just five minutes sitting in nature can increase positive emotions. Though the conservatory's live stream may not be as good as the real thing, it comes pretty close.

And if that's not enough entertainment, you can still virtually tour museums, stream an opera, "visit" a national park, or spend all afternoon watching these adorable elderly dogs in Tennessee.