As our visit with Annie and Don continued, so, too, did the rain! But for one brief, not-quite-but-almost-shining moment, the wet let up enough to make a visit to the Michigan State University gardens possible.
These gardens are a real gem and from where I sit, the jewel in the crown is the 4-H Children's Garden.
Even though we were off season (not really, but because the weather is so late, that's how it worked out), it's still pretty charming.
One is greeted by a dragon made of natural fibers.
is as fascinating in detail as it is from afar!
Within the garden, the giant globe and rainbow -- a wonderful setting for photos!
There are a variety of mini-gardens -- a fragrance garden, the pizza garden and a water garden, complete with ducks...
...and Monet's bridge, modeled after the original in Giverny down to the exact color of paint.
The Alice in Wonderland maze includes wonderful stones along the way.
There is even the "Secret Garden."
As you leave the children's garden, you'll pass by the Bee Garden. Here's the "Bee Hotel!"
While most of the bulbs had passed, a few still were sharing some of their vibrant colors.
The bright pinks and yellows were welcome when it looked like the sky might burst!
We saw a few birds, getting a bit of a break between storms.
We were especially worried about this little guy. He appeared to have fallen from his nest high above.
We alerted one of the garden staff who was going to try to find someone who could help, since touching the birds isn't wise.
And to be honest, I'm not sure "mom" would have let us.
We were walking back to the car when it started to rain again -- and we made it back just in time!
But the walk left a lovely memory -- and ready for an indoor venue.
That's next time.
25 comments:
What a wonderful place! So glad you got to visit it between storms :) I hope they could help that little baby bird.
What a lovely garden. Glad you didn't get stranded in the rain.
The Children's Garden looks like a wonderful place to visit.....no matter what age you are.
What a "golden moment" we had in the midst of all the gloom. I like to think the ladder arrived and baby was rescued.
Fabulous dragon!
Oh jeanie, I think we can both start our happy dance since we both had to wait so long for our springs! Those dragon is fantastic as are the other enchantments. We had lots of rain and things are getting beautiful. Happy day anita
Hi Jeanie, What a charming and lovely garden for Annie and Don to vist. So glad the rain let up enough to visit. I love the adorable dragon and Monet’s bridge looks right at home in the setting! I do hope the baby bird was helped and put back in the nest. At times Mother Nature is harsh to say the least. Our early spring flowers are fading fast so this was a treat. Thanks for the tour.............
Oh this garden is glorious; so full of color and delight. How I would love visiting here. I would want to run into the mouth of that dragon and see where it would take me. How beautiful and what a perfect place to take guests.
cool stuff going on there!
Oh my goodness, the new camera -!
And there's a pizza garden?
The pic' of you with your friends Ann & Don does my heart good: you look well, happy, relaxed.
Brava, Jeanie!
What a lovely visit! And how fun to meet up with a fellow blogger. I LOVE that Bee Hotel! A friend of mine keeps bees. Might have to send him the idea. Thanks for your visit and leaving a comment. Always nice to see Gypsy's face!
Hi Jeanie! Oh, what a magical garden! This was so much fun and it's just so lovely too. Glad the rain stopped long enough for you to enjoy it too. Poor little birdie and I'm sure the employees knew just what to do! Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
When I looked at this earlier, all the images were there - now, half of them have disappeared. But, I remember a couple I really liked -- the bee hotel, and the Cheshire cat stone, for two.
I love that such places exist, and that there are efforts made to make them interesting for children - of all ages!
this looks like such a beautiful and fun place to be!
That is such a cool garden! I am glad some of the plants were blooming when you visited! And hooray for beating out the rain during your visit.
What an amazing garden to explore! I sure do hope the little baby bird survived :-)
big hugs,
Cheryl
Beautiful gardens and wonderful photos Jeanie!
I'm hoping you might paint some of them and make a set of note cards!
It's good to see you are enjoying your retirement!
Beutiful and really "friendly" gardens! (... and together with friends.) Happy to see the "bee hotel"! We have more and more of them also in Paris - actually for all kinds of kind insects.
And a great time was had by all.
I hope the fletchling survived his unscheduled journey.
Colorful!
Hi, Jeanie! Great to catch up with you this week... That children's garden is so sweet! I want to go there. ;o) The dragon is pretty amazing! So is the Bee Hotel. Oh, the tulips... This garden has such variety--very impressive! Look forward to more from your visit with Annie & Don. Happy Days ((HUGS))
I love places like this so jam packed full of beauty and adventure. It's amazing to be to see how talented people are and to see art come to life!
Heve a wonderful weekend!
Leann
There's a botanical garden close to us and it's so peaceful there. It always amazes me how these places are so thoughtfully landscaped that they have so much to offer, even on the dreariest day, even in winter.
What colorful and lovely gardens!!!
the kids must have a blast with that dragon = very cool indeed!
oxo
What a wonderful variety of things to see and enjoy! A lovely resource to have at hand!
Thank you for taking us along!
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