5.11.2010

the windy city...

Did you guess where I was last week?  I went to Chicago and Wisconsin.  Andrew Henry grew up in a suburb of Chicago and my Dad grew up in Wisconsin.  We did a little tourist/family visit combo trip.  I'll pepper you with the highlights over the next few weeks. 

We're going to visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory in downtown Chicago.  We stopped by to see the flower show and it was inspiringly beautiful.  There were some familiar favorites, some exotic beauties and some strange other worldly type plants as well. 

Today, we'll just take a look at a few of the flowers.  Seriously, these are just a few of them.  It was like walking into a painting.  The colors were so pure and perfect it was impossible to take it all in or capture with the camera.  I hope this will give you an idea.













Here's a little trivia for you - there are 30,000 varieties of orchids, that is more than any other flower in the world.  Who knew?

Which image was your favorite today?

Tomorrow we'll see the ferns and the oddities.


15 comments:

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Those orchids are lovely- Great photos- and have a nice trip.

Henley said...

My favorite was the first garden shot with the statue in the background. Makes me want to go explore. I've been to that conservatory many times. Great place and free if I recall.

KR said...

I choose pic number 8, such delicate blooms.

Beatnheart said...

Oh Darling, I love them all but the Lily with wrought Iron is my fave. Just watched your adorable "Baby Quail Movie" they are just too sweet...Glad you loved Chicago...Love my Lake Michigan and miss it terribly sometimes... Welcome Home...I missed you!!

Andrew H. said...

The tulips are what I remember of this trip. Both in this conservatory and out. The tulips up and down Michigan Ave were fabulous!

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

My goodness those are gorgeous flowers - my favorite images (I have to pick two!) is the last one, and the flower through the gate.

RockinJ9designs said...

Definately the orange/yellow (4th) one. It resembles a water fountain. If you started the water at the highest point, it looks like it would roll on to each petal (?) simultaneously. Oh the flow of softly running water makes me just want to relax. Time to go get the kids, yikes!

Kanga said...

I'm green with envy! All of the flowers are just out of this world! However, my favourite is the red in picture number 4, sorry, don't know the name; very Japanesey and perhaps that's why it appeals so much. So glad you enjoyed your trip and thanks for sharing it with us.

Maria said...

Left this earlier - but guess it went into the black hole mentioned above.

The photos are breathtaking - literally. I can close my eyes and imagine the aroma was quite intoxicating!

My fave is the lace hydrangea - had one at my last home and I miss her so!

Lucky girl! Thanks for sharing.

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Hi Maria, don't know what could have happened to your comment - thank you for coming back and leaving it again - Everton Terrace wouldn't be the same without you!

Brandywine said...

After a long cold winter here in Chicago the little purple and yellow violas just scream summertime. Loved all the flowers.
You were here the right week because it is raining and cold right now. So glad you enjoyed our lovely city!

MaiPie said...

I like the orchids. My kinda colors! Also, best. popcorn. ever.

Anonymous said...

I suppose Chicago was in bloom! Ewa

pamela said...

you should do a calendar of those flowers. really beautiful shots!!!

pamela said...

gorgeous!!! i would love to go there.