A happy Monday to you all! Today is feeling like July again, hot and humid… and it’s still morning. It will be a scorcher later!
Gracie was a little sad this morning since she was the first to lose her new outfit. Talyssa graciously let her try on her “Garden Surprises” set. I think she looks cute in it too. I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so I said they look equally beautiful and sweet. Who do you like better in this ensemble?
This ensemble is still available on my website. Here is the direct link to the sales page.
Here are some more photos from our visit to the Chicago Botanic Gardens on Saturday. My post from yesterday can be found here. Today I have photos from the first gardens we went to as well as some entrance shots. Enjoy!
After walking through the initial building where you’ll find a gift shop, information counter, and cafe, you will walk across this bridge to get to the gardens.
You can see the cafe’s terrace from this bridge.
The Crescent is the first garden you see after crossing the bridge. It is made up of curved terraced flower beds . Over the years I’ve seen many wedding photos being taken here.
Next, we turned left and visited the Heritage Garden. It is made up of more curved flower beds as well as circular ponds which are full of water lilies.
Next, we visited the Rose Garden. On the way there we walked down walkways with huge hydrangea gardens. I have serious hydrangea envy right now. Aren’t they beautiful!
The roses are planted to the left and right of the massive lawn with a shady trellis behind the fountain.
The shade felt very welcome when we got to the trellis. Baskets of pink geraniums hang from the walls.
Such a pretty fern growing through the trellis.
I think these are the tiniest roses I’ve ever seen!
My favorite roses are the variegated varieties.
That’s all for today. I best get some sewing accomplished! I hope you all have a great Monday. Thanks for visiting!
Cindy Rice Designs 
Could never choose between those two cuties. They both win!
The mass plantings of the white hydrangeas are amazing. They just pop with the greens. I have a climber that looks very similar to the last rose photo. Have no idea what it is. I planted it years ago and lost track.
Thanks for sharing the photos. I wonder, when to they do maintenance? Everything is so well kept and green. Unlike our slightly brownish/occasional green lawn.
Hi Joy,
You know how to be fair, thank you; both Talyssa and Gracie are still smilling… and nude, so all is fair today. Ha ha. They told me they are ready for back-to-school or fall outfits now. Can you believe it?
I think there are a lot of these coral-y pink variegated varieties around. They are so pretty. I love how they change color from vibrant to more pastel as they open up too. They must do maintenance during the week at the gardens, and they are probably volunteers too. I can imagine it “takes a village” as the grounds are pristine. With our lack of rain lately they must water, water, water… from the reservoirs, I’m guessing. Have a great day, Joy!
Your photos are beautiful! I love hydrangeas and roses too!
Today afternoon, I photographied mine! It was very hot. Now, a storm rages and it rains a lot!
Gracie and Talyssa look equally sweet in this ensemble! I love them both!
Have a good afternoon!
Warm regards!
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for the compliments on my photos. It is difficult getting good shots in the bright sun, but I did my best. We need a good thunderstorm so badly; our lawn is turning brown and is crispy. Thank you for being fair with Talyssa and Gracie. They have both lost their new outfits and are both nude this morning though. Hope you are having a very nice Tuesday!
Cindy, The new designs are wonderful. I love the tiny butterflies! Looks like you got inspired at the Botanical Gardens!
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much! The butterfly exhibit was a real treat, that’s for sure. The best surprise was the larger butterfly, the one with the circular pattern on its brownish wings (eating the banana). When in flight we could catch a glimpse of the other side of its wings–bright peacock blue! Just gorgeous!