Wednesday, April 26, 2017

I Overslept But.....

by Deanna


Belonging to the Morton Arboretum Photography Society comes with lots of privileges, one being monthly photo trips to photo worthy places plus the added addition of being with like minded people who love photography as much as I do. The Chicago Botanic Garden was our destination of choice for the month of April and oh boy did we visit at the most opportune time. Everything was in bloom, our neighborhood is overflowing with the goodness that comes with Spring.

“She turned to the sunlight
    And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
    "Winter is dead.” 
― A.A. MilneWhen We Were Very Young


We were due to meet at 8:00 AM at the entrance into the gardens, but Deanna fell back to sleep after the alarm rang at 6:00 AM. The drive is anywhere from an hour plus, so when I left the house at 7:25 AM I knew I was in trouble. No traffic, thank you God, and I sped along (yes, I was going over the speed limit) and pulled into the parking lot at 8:05 AM.  Eventho I made it in record time, my photo group had already began their journey thru the gardens, leaving me behind. OK, do I search to find them, or just enjoy my lone walk, knowing that eventually we would meet? I chose the latter, and sure enough we finally met at the walled English garden. So come along with me as I wander thru the gardens before I meet up with the rest of the group. 

Holy moley, what in the heck were these giant cone shaped plants bursting with blooms rising to over 6 feet tall right outside the wall? Resembles something growing in outer space or perhaps Disney World. 


These beauties are aptly named "tower of jewels" or Echium 'Red Rocket'.  According to Google (my go to for info) they are biennials which mean the seeds are planted one year and the next they bloom. Hopefully they re-seed and continue their beauty year after year. 


They also have the "Blue Steeple" Echium by the entrance which is just as dazzling.


I love the Morton Arboretum, but I LOVE the Chicago Botanic Garden. Flowers, flowers and more flowers everywhere you look.  As I wandered with camera in hand, I was breathless at every corner, every turn there was more and more beauty.

The ever faithful, ever beautiful Bleeding Hearts....


The harder than heck to photograph Hellebores because they always have their heads bending downward as tho they are praying continually. 


“The deep roots never doubt spring will come.” 


Another lovely that I am not real familiar with is this beauty called a 'Yellow Crown Imperial (Fritrillaria Imperaialis). This is another wowzer, standing at 2 to 3 feet tall. 


“I suppose the best kind of spring morning is the best weather God has to offer.” 
― Dodie SmithI Capture the Castle


Ranunculus in yellows, reds, oranges, and pinks are planted in various gardens and planters...sigh!.


And then there are the Lupines...magnificent in purples and pinks.




“Spring drew on...and a greenness grew over those brown beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps.” 
― Charlotte BrontëJane Eyre


A trip to the land of beauty would not be complete without at least one image of a crab apple in bloom. Be it crab apple, cherry, or apple the blooms that later turn into fruit are in their eye-popping glory right now.


And for just a little something extra, I've added a black and white. I really don't know what this is, It was a bush of some sort with all these white berry blossoms. I wasn't swooning with its color so made the decision to change it to B&W.  I kinda like it.  You won't find me doing this too much with florals. I am such a color freak that removing it really goes against my grain. 


I hope you enjoyed our walk thru the gardens, I plan on returning very soon to continue to soak up the beauty of Spring.

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” 
― Neltje Blanchan


9 comments:

Carol said...

Beautiful spring quotes to accompany beautiful spring pictures! Happy Spring!

Cathy H. said...

I am breathless! You are just the flower queen!! I'm so glad you took us on this tour. There were several flowers that I have never seen before, like the first ones! They are amazing!

kelly said...

goodness Deanna! spring has certainly come alive in your neck of the woods and in your post! breathtaking images!

kybarb said...

As always your photos are just so gorgeous Deanna! I hope to make a trip to Chicago one of these days and now I know where my first stop will be--the botanic gardens!

Dotti said...

I am swooooooning . . . What a perfect day you had and these photos are just brilliant! I love every one of them. That is indeed a perk worth having and I'm so glad you're participating. And better yet, sharing the beauty with us!

terriporter said...

Your botanic garden certainly looks like a place of endless beauty and adventure! Every one of your images is gorgeous and I love the quote pairing too! So glad you didn't oversleep so much that you missed this because I know we are all enjoying seeing the beauty you captured. Being with like-minded people and doing something you love is just the best!

Sarah Huizenga said...

I have only been to the Chicago Botanic Garden once, but it was so lovely.

AFishGirl said...

Lupins! In April! This was certainly a delightful tour, Deanna!

Sandra said...

Wonderful images of glorious flowers and lovely quotations!

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