A Visit to a Must-See Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden isn't all that far from my house.

Probably . . . about a 3 hour drive.

But it's a rather nasty 3 hour drive.  (All the way through Chicago. . . past O'Hare airport . . . and into the northern suburbs.)

So, when I found a charter bus day trip, I thought it would be the perfect way to visit the Gardens.  I could let someone else do the driving, and I could still enjoy a day exploring one of my Must-See gardens.  I talked my Mom into coming with me (although, really, it didn't take much talking-into at all).

The weather (as I've mentioned) was pretty crappy.  Cold.  Cloudy.  Breezy.  But . . . at least it didn't rain until we were on the way home.

Although it might have been nicer to see the Gardens on a good-weather day, we did enjoy an almost private experience.  Really . . . everyone else stayed home . . . or sat on the bus.  (Because inappropriate clothing.)

By Mom and I were dressed for the weather in layers and heavy coats and hand knits.

We had a great time!

We had a surprisingly delightful tour of the vegetable gardens.  (We didn't expect to be WOWed, but we were.)

 

We were delighted by the English Walled Garden (and it was surprisingly warm . . . being walled and all).

(In case you're curious, these Dr. Seuss looking plants are Echium 'Pink Fountain' or Tower of Jewels.  More information here.) (Those are lupines in front.) 

(And, yeah.  That's a poppy field there in the back . . . )

We visited the bonsai exhibit . . . 

 and were charmed by the Railroad Garden.

But, without a doubt, my favorite thing of the entire day . . . was the Japanese Garden.

(Here's my Mom . . . losing her evil spirits on the ZigZag Bridge!)

Despite the crappy weather, we had a fabulous day.  (The Chicago Botanic Garden is open 365 days a year -- always beautiful; always different.  Just be sure to dress appropriately!)

So glad I got a chance to see one of my Must-See gardens!