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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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.

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.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – More or Less

Having recently visited the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, it was still very much on my mind when I saw Amy’s choice of subject for this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge.  You can never have too much of a good thing but sometimes less is as good, or even better. So here is my take on Less is More.

Spring at the Arboretum

Since there seemed to be quite a bit of rain in the forecast, I decided that Friday would probably be the best time to visit the Morton Arboretum in Lisle for my annual dose of daffodils and magnolias.  It was sunny with reasonably mild temperatures but I could see the wind was going to be a bit of a problem.  These conditions require some patience, waiting for things stop dancing about.

The place is packed!  Probably because The Trolls are still on display and there happens to be a plant sale going on, plus the appealing sight of daffodils and magnolias in bloom has brought people out by the hundreds. The car park is almost full when I get there and I end up pulling in next to this guy, with the hope that my car doesn’t suffer the same fate.

The magnolias are, as usual, spectacular! It’s too bad that their blossoms don’t last longer. Timing is everything when visiting for the specific purpose of seeing something at the peak of blooming and some of the pink flowers are past their best but others are just gorgeous!  I love magnolias and even bought our girls magnolia charms for their bracelets this Easter.

You never know what you’re going to come across when walking down a woodland trail at the Arboretum.  And it’s rather creepy, sitting among the trees, listening to them creak and groan in the wind. Looking down, I can see evidence of branches that have come crashing to the ground and hope that I’ve picked a safe spot to take a rest.  And while I’m gazing around I spot a bird that I don’t think I’ve seen before.  Other than the usual cast of characters, robins, sparrows, cardinals and a few others that I recognize, I have no idea what this one is, so any suggestions as to its identity are welcome.

Over at Lake Marmo everything is basking in the sunshine. A turtle paddles by, while a goose enjoys a snooze on the bank and a gigantic fish peers back at me from the gloomy depths below the bridge by Hemlock Hill.

The Troll that overlooks Daffodil Glade is in for a rude awakening. There are almost as many visitors as there are daffodils. Lots of kids rushing about, trampling the flowers underfoot. Well, you’re only young once, and I guess the temptation is probably just too great to resist.  How quickly things change! I’m glad I went to the Arboretum yesterday. It’s snowing today!