we finally made the drive to see all the pretty things!

We finally made the drive a few weeks ago to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. Their gardens and sculptures are simply amazing. The bright colors of the foliage and variety of plants and flowers was stunning. I have NO IDEA how to identify plants besides the obvious ones (except even poison ivy!) and this place was dazzling to even the newbies like my daughter and myself. My personal favorite area was the tea garden where they were growing tea plants in colorful teapots on stakes.

Although it was a steamy, hot day they had shade and plenty of places to cool down during our visit. We walked what we could and drove through certain parts. The trails were marked well and easy to navigate. The roads to navigate each section were very maintained as well. We probably could've stayed a lot longer that day if it wasn't a million degrees out.

The sculptures change and vary depending on the season and theme. This particular sculpture was one we drove past and had to wedge the car at an angle to get a good view. It was one of my favorites. Even from the air conditioned car it was a beauty. This was one of the most thought provoking and conversation starting pieces.

This sculpture looks like a mom holding out her arms for a hug. Or a friend offering support. Or (if you believe) a holy spirit reaching out to say it's going to be okay. While you are able to touch the sculptures, you cannot climb on them. This would have been SUCH a great one to pose with.

Even my kid loved this place. She liked reading the descriptions of each sculpture and guessing the titles. I thought she'd love the children's garden more, but it was definitely enjoyed. They had interactive features everywhere, things to smell and touch, slides and climbing areas, even a huge watering can mister to cool everyone down. 

We rarely willingly drive so far for plants outdoors, but this drive was worth it. I am guessing it's just as amazing in the fall. The garden maze was fun and it will be even more full and colorful in the fall. Whether you like art or plants or just a stroll through the fresh air, this place will not disappoint! Just Google Morton Arboretum. You'll thank me.

you can learn a lot from flower gardens

We are expanding our flower garden to be a little longer. Now don't confuse me with someone who actually gardens or does it well! I just figured it would look better going the entire length of the garage instead of stopping half way. Insert mini me. She obviously wants to help.

We dug out the existing border edge and yanked up the grass in the new garden spot. We went and picked out a few new plants to start. She helped me transplant and water. We plan to pick up more plants at the new store that just opened in Rockton for all our flower needs! I am hoping that it will be a constant rotation of colors, flowers and plants in bloom throughout the year.

I need more garden pavers and a few more filler plants and voila. We will be done. I honestly got the plant Hen&Chicks because that is just adorable. No idea what it will look like. Don't even care. The name sold me!

Now we can weed the vegetable and the flower garden together. Do I hear bonding time? Yep. Do I hear less work for me? Yep. Do I hear instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment? Yep. Did I take it too far? Yep. Don't even care! We will have pretty flowers to look at while we chill on the deck.