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