Sunday, July 5, 2015

Southern Exposure in Early Summer

Southern Exposure does not offer classes during the summer months but the gardens are open and free of charge to those needing a shot of beauty in their lives! (And to the numerous guests of weddings at the site!)

 

On my recent trip to Kalamazoo to do some art journaling with Joanne, I stopped in the gardens on my way home.


Although it was late in the day, workers were still about and I could see how these gardens are kept in such immaculate condition. There had been a lot of growth since the daffodil days of early spring!


Of course, I love the vintage cars on the property. It's always a step back in time.


The herb garden has a pretty good start, too! Our schedule of workshops for fall arrived and several involve getting fresh herbs from the garden to include in arrangements.


I couldn't resist the iris, still in bloom! Irises remind me of my dear Aunt Iris and she would have loved these.

 

Of course, the bird baths are still "in bloom." If I buy one thing for my yard this year other than flowers, it will be a bird bath!

 

The hostas were huge and the gardens looked lovely. I suspect they are even lovelier now!

 

Of course, I can't resist the beautiful statuary. This angel particularly touched me.


So, too, did this contemplative madonna, guarding a path.


The color was lively with peonies and impatiens in bushes, wreaths and on garden gates.



There were paths to walk and spots to rest and simply contemplate.


And mostly, I contemplated how lovely it was to have this beautiful spot not all that far from home.


Another visit is due. And soon, fall workshops begin!


Maybe by then I'll have my own bird bath!


(Those interested in learning about the fall workshops can visit Southern Exposure's website. It is located near Battle Creek, Michigan.)

15 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Your photos really convey what a beautiful and peaceful spot this must be!

Jennifer Richardson said...

I love the vintage car, too, and am always so happy to see iris
and fresh garden art:) It's a beautiful thing, Summertime.
All the green. I feel both blessed and bashed by it, usually.
But my eyes are so happy to take it all in
and store it away for the gray times to come.
Thanks for sharing the beauty,
Jennifer

annie said...

i love the lighted birdbath garden. Everything else, too, but that really caught my eye.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Wow, what a beautiful place! The grounds just look gorgeous. And those peonies are SO pretty. Peonies are my favorite! Phil's mom has some in her garden so she sent him home with a bouquet for me a couple of weeks ago and it made my week!

Gwen said...

SO many awesome photos! Would love to have been there!

littleRamstudio said...

A favourite spare time occupation for us is visiting other people's gardens.
There is a scheme here in UK where people open up their gardens once or twice a year and let people see behind the gates and hedges and have a good mooch around their private gardens. Always come away with ideas!
Do love the roses in the bird bath from your photo's, one to remember!
Heather :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Isn't summer the most glorious time? And I think I finally figured out that for us here in Minneapolis, JULY is the best of the summer months. OH, I don't know! The hydrangeas are in full bloom and it's raining now and everything is soooooooo lush....

What a gorgeous place, Jeanie! Keep enjoying all the treasures to behold sweet friend! Anita

Bella Rum said...

These shots are so inspirational. I will make sure H sees them. We plan to start landscaping the back and front yards this fall. Thanks for the inspiration.

Victoria Zigler said...

Bet it was difficult to leave?

Hope you get a bird bath of your very own soon.

Kitty said...

One of the fun things about a bird bath is the variety of other critters that take advantage of free fresh water. I get squirrels all the time and have had possums and a racoon too - even in the city. And you don't have to worry about dogs interferring!

Joanne Huffman said...

What a great [;ace tp stop and enjoy on the way home.

shoreacres said...

I have a clay saucer outside my window that I put out just so the birds could have a drink, but now I have a few that are using it as a bath. They're such fun to watch -- and what splashing and splattering goes on! Of course, mine isn't surrounded with such great flowers, but the birds don't seem to mind.

Marilyn Miller said...

The gardens are beautiful. What a lovely meditative stop in your day and in mine for following along. Can't wait to hear what classes you decide to take.

~*~Patty S said...

What an absolute treasure of a place this is Jeanie.
How lucky you can visit it in every season to enjoy so much beauty and eye candy!
Great photos as always.
oxo

Sandy K. said...

These gardens, and old cars, are wonderful! Where is the garden located? I just want to wander through the scenes you have created. Thank you!

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