Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Spring in the Garden

Well, I've been bitching so much about not having spring that I thought I'd finally share a little of the beauty around here -- for spring has arrived! And with it, an explosion of color and fragrance.


There is much about my alma mater, Michigan State University I deplore. A few things I love, but it is (like probably most universities) far from perfection. (And zero transparency, but we won't go there.) But one thing they do particularly well is landscaping.


The campus was built in 1855 and while there is much modern construction done in the '50s and beyond, the real heart of the campus is its older sections with brick buildings and beautiful trees.


This is outside the music building. I spent a lot of my undergrad time in this building!


The statue is part of a WPA project done in the '30s.


Outside the library we see the magnolia or tulip trees.


And of course, in the distance, the U's landmark, Beaumont Tower.


There are numerous gardens on campus but today we are at the Beal Botanical Garden. Many of the plantings are yet to sprout. This garden tends not to have quite the splash of color the botanical or children's gardens have.


But spring is the exception. You'll find rows of tulips...


... splashes of bright flowering trees...


...more tulips...


...and loads of trillium.


I confess, I adore trillium and so rarely see it.


I know. I'm overshooting. I can't help it.


These little marsh marigolds are awfully pretty too, a real bright spot.


These buds lead me to believe the show isn't over yet!


I leave you with the garden gates, works of art in themselves.


Thank you, Spring!

Sharing today with:  Let's Keep in Touch (Let's Add Sprinkles)   /   Share Your Cup   /  Pink Saturday  

50 comments:

William Kendall said...

The tulips and trilliums are a visual delight!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

At heart universities are centres of learning, but they do seem to have more than their share of intrigue, politics, backbiting and so on. It’s quite sad really.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

The rosebuds on campus are showier than mine this year. All your photos are wonderful, they do indeed do landscaping well over there. Glad they haven't bulldozed the old brick buildings.

I wish MSU would owe up to their part in the scandal so we could all put it behind us.

Iris Flavia said...

Ahhh, finally, yay!
Beautiful. So nice to see as it´s all over here now!
I´m sorry it came so late for you, but I sure love to witness it all from the beginning again, kinda - no overshooting at all!
Spring, almost the star, right!

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful photos and I am happy that spring has blessed you at last. Enjoy! Hugs, Valerie

Polly said...

Isn't Spring just the most beautiful season x

Barb said...

Finally, I’m seeing your spring! What a gorgeous display of color on the campus. I love Trillium - you can never have too many photos! I’m at the beach in CA so I’m having spring too!

Marilyn Miller said...

Spring is lovely on the campus. Love the picture with the tower.

My name is Erika. said...

Wow. That is a gorgeous campus. It is like an arboretum. I can't say I've seen a campus so pretty. But wait, where are all the students? Are they already finished for he semester? I am excited about spring being here too. I can;t actually believe it is finally really here yet. Hugs-Erika

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

What a beautiful, historical backdrop for all of the students to study by. Lovely to see the flowering trees and tulips. It all looks so peaceful. A beautiful place for a picnic! xx Karen

Mae Travels said...

You capture spring in such an inspiring way! I have been collecting images but haven't yet figured out what to put in a spring post.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I am so thrilled that spring has finally arrived for you! The tulips and trilliums are stunning! The campus looks so pretty, I hope you will show us more in the next few weeks!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Your alma mater is so much older than any of mine. It's a gorgeous campus with tons of beautiful flowers and landscaping. I've never heard of trilliums before, so they were a sight to behold. Beautiful spring has truly arrived in your part of the world/country.

Kirsten Steen said...

So nice to see so much spring! I haven't been out and about much and still can't get out in the yard so I'm living vicariously! But hopefully soon. How I do love those Redbuds and Magnolias. And of course, the tulips. I can't plant them because of the deer. Happy spring to you!!

Yael said...

What a beautiful post this is! :-)

Lisbeth said...

Wonderful pictures and weather. I think we have more or less the same climate. Spring is here as well with sunshine and beautiful colours. Time to enjoy.

Anonymous said...

WOW! No words to express the beauty of the blossoms all around the building. They look colorful. The statue looks good:)

La Table De Nana said...

Spring is delicious!

Joanne Huffman said...

I have been enjoying the bountiful flowering trees and bushes since I got back to town Monday night. Your photos do spring justice.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Spring is never long enough, in my opinion, but it sure is nice to see it extended through the views of my friends in regions further north. Thanks for sharing, Jeanie!

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm glad you're finally able to enjoy the delights of Spring you were so longing for.

Tammie Lee said...

absolutely gorgeous Jeanie!
So happy for you to have spring in full bloom!

Anonymous said...

Awesome landscape at MSU. You are a very good photographer.

Kitty said...

Spring in Michigan really is awesome. I'm afraid we just jumped over it here in Texas - the temps are in the 90's - too hot for most of the spring flowers - and April was just plain dry! But at least I have your wonderful pictures! Thanks.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, this is what spring is supposed to look like. Your photos are beautiful as is that campus. I especially like the tower shot..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy

Preppy Empty Nester said...

What a fabulous looking school!!! My closest friend's daughter went to law school there. Thanks for the tour sweet Jeanie..
Have a wonderful weekend.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Really beautiful. That is something I need to take more advantage of is gardens in my city.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, the blossom trees are finally starting to bloom there. They have already come and gone here and it's starting to feel like summer. The blossom trees look lovely gracing the grounds of the University. And that little bench area with the tulips looks peaceful and so pretty.

Happy Mother's Day, dear Jeanie. I hope you have a beautiful day.

~Sheri

Pam said...

So happy for you at having SPRING FINALLY! It is beautiful. We are well past the Eedbuds blooming, Bradford pears and even Dogwood. Flowering trees are settling down and the grass is seeding now. We have had a lot of rain and the grass along with the trees are so pretty and green. Enjoy that beautiful spring.

Sandi said...

It's GORGEOUS, Jeanie!

Ok, I have to ask, what does WPA stand for?

I need orange said...

After nothing, nothing, nothing, for such a long time, now we have !!!EVERYTHING!!! :-)

Angela said...

That landscaping is beautiful. I think the tulips are my favorite part. It's so wonderful to finally get to experience spring after such a long winter!

shoreacres said...

Good landscaping can make up for a lot, although some of our universities and other bureaucratic institutions are pushing it a little (or a lot). That aside, your photos are lovely. I've never in my life seen a trillium; they're such a pretty flower. The tulips are especially nice. I take it you don't have many deer roaming the campus -- that might bring an end to the tulips. How do they keep the squirrels from digging them up? Perhaps they just plant so many there are enough for people and squirrels alike!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh Jeanie, those redbud trees; on my drive home yesterday, it was such a joy to see so many of them here, that have survived over the years! I am going into work later today, so I hope that will help me have the time to take some photos of these brilliant, lavender flower trees! AND THE TULIP TREES....we have a gorgeous yellow one here a few blocks down! Enjoy!

Susie said...

I have always love college campuses. Wish all the young people could take time to enjoy them too. Redbuds are beautiful. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Lynne said...

MSU does have a gorgeous campus!
Beautiful pictures Jeanie . . .
Liked the final “gate” sculpture . . .
Location??

bj said...

Redbuds are my favorite...so pretty...showy
Excellent photos.

Linda d said...

Stunning Jeannie, simply stunning. What a wonderful place to go to school (especially in the spring).

Danielle L Zecher said...

Gorgeous flowers! I love the tulips! And the trillium. It seems like you do rarely see that one. I'm glad you're finally getting some spring color. :-)

Sandra Cox said...

Absolutely wondrous!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

What gorgeous pictures, Jeanie! Spring in the Midwest is so stunning, such a rich reward after a long and hard winter! I find myself missing the four seasons -- which I mostly enjoyed during my five years in Chicago. Life has a whole different rhythm with the dramatic beauty of each season. I love your sharing that with us!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Oh, yes! Spring has certainly arrived full of blooms and color in your area, Jeanie. It all looks so beautiful! Enjoy the warmer weather. Happy Mother's Day!

Tracy said...

Spring at last--HOORAY! And what a beautiful spring is happening there where you are, Jeanie...wow! MSU, for all it's faults, does have a lovely campus, and the landscaping is just dreamy... We're just now having spring unfold a bit, and thankfully some warmer days in between. Maybe I'll have some interesting photos to share soon--it's been dry at my place... LOL! ;) Happy Spring Days, my friend ((HUGS))

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Wow! How vividly gorgeous!! I just love university campuses!! And the learning too...Yes, gratitude for spring...

Decor To Adore said...

It looks like your spring was worth the wait! Loved your fleur de lis cookies. Wish there was a taste button.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

It certainly is a gorgeous campus. College days are so very long ago, I cannot imagine being in a classroom rather than outdoors on a beautiful day.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh yes! Spring has come to Michigan. Love the blossoming trees. My Redbud and Magnolis just finished blooming. Oh how I love them. A beautiful campus indeed! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Louca por porcelana said...

Gorgeous pictures!!!

Doodle T said...

Stunning photos...it truly is Spring!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

What a beautiful campus! My alma mater (University of ND) was also beautiful in the spring and summer but by the time things were in bloom, most students had gone home! I stayed there one summer to work and take summer classes, though, so I got to see it in its glory!

Spring has finally sprung here as well. It sure took long enough! The flowering trees are my absolute favorite. I have to remember to appreciate them while they are flowering because it's such a brief season!!

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