Tulip Time In Lombard

Lilacs aren’t the only attraction in Lilacia Park in Lombard at this time of year. The tulips certainly get their share of attention and deservedly so.  Seeing all these beautiful flowers reminds me that it’s probably time to replace some of the tulip bulbs that are past their prime in my garden.  I always find it hard to discard any plants that have done so well in the past (it feels rather like a betrayal) but I know those bulbs, that have long ceased to put out any flowers, will have to go.  Time for some new stock and fresh color. Perhaps I’ll try a few of these.

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Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge – Ruffled Feathers

When I was a young child, even the sight of a feather from a pillow sent me into screaming fits.  More than seventy years later I’m still very much afraid of birds although I have come to terms with holding a feather (still not very comfortable with that.) But even though this phobia has limited my ability to enjoy avian encounters which, at close quarters leave me decidedly ruffled, it has certainly not stopped me from taking pictures.

 

For more on Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge go to Feathers

Lilac Time

This is another one of those trips that I try not to miss; my annual visit to see the lilacs of Lombard. Lombard is famous for its lilacs, well around here, anyway. They even have a Lilac Festival which lasts from about May 1st to 19th and includes a Lilac Ball, beer and wine tasting, tours of Lilacia Park and Historical tours as well as a Mutt Strut 5k race with or without your dog. But I’m not here for all that. I’m just here for the flowers.

As I walk through the Park, memories of my mother and my home back in England combined with the perfume of the lilacs almost makes me feel faint, the nostalgia is so overwhelming.

Of course there are other flowers here as well as the lilacs and I am green with envy when I see the gorgeous Crown Imperials. I have several in my garden but they rarely flower.  I see several park employees dashing about the gardens but they are in the throes of the Lilac Time plant sale and will be far too busy to discuss my plants’ shortcomings I’m sure.

The trees are in blossom too and everything just seems to come together in one spectacular Spring display. It’s breathtaking!

This is also tulip time and there are masses of tulips in Lilacia Park but it’s the lilacs that reign supreme at this very special time of year.

Pull Up A Seat – In Lilacia Park

It’s lilac time and that means a trip to Lilacia Park in Lombard, Illinois, so Pull Up A Seat and enjoy the view.  More pictures to come in a later post.

A Rocky Start

Despite Spring getting off to rather a rocky start, with late snowfalls, freezing temperatures and an overabundance of rain, our garden has managed to provide some colorful blooms to brighten even the dullest days.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Harmony

This week, Tina has chosen Harmony as the subject for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge and I can think of few places that better express the feeling of harmony than in a Japanese garden. We are very lucky to have two such beautiful gardens close at hand; at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe and the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford.

 

Pull Up A Seat – At The Arboretum

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to Pull Up A Seat and sit down in any comfort outside, but the weather was just right the other day at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. There is no shortage of conveniently placed seating at the Arboretum. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to rest on the many trails, in the children’s play area, overlooking Lake Marmo or any one of the many other picturesque spots, you will be sure to find a sturdy bench, rocking chair or swinging seat.