chicago botanic garden

As you know, I flew to Chicago last Sunday, photographed a beautiful inspired home, and then hauled my ambitious self to the Chicago Botanic Antiques and Garden Fair. I'm not sure I can convey to you effectively how amazing this show is. The beauty of the Garden itself is remarkable, but mixed with the antiques, really extraordinary.

This visit has the potential of generating a few posts ~ my guess would be in the neighborhood of ten. TEN! So prepare yourself for an extensive collection of images, beginning with the Chicago Botanic Garden, no antiques included. Yet.

Loved this highlight at the entrance. The map of the garden is labeled with some of the featured flowers, with samples of the flower displayed in front! Sometimes, the beauty must be experienced in a small dose to effectively motivate visitors to explore further. This would apply to yours truly. Seeing Fritillary Imperialis on the map means absolutely nothing to me.

This beauty is Fritillary Imperialis (Big Red Crown Imperial) I've never seen anything like it!

Splendor in the garden... (doesn't that seem like an appropriate phrase to use here?)

  Even overhead!

This may look like My Secret Garden.. but the 20 degree temp kept us from frolicking for too long. (It's highly possible my estimate is off, but I'm telling you it was cold!)

Can you imagine these trees in the summer? They are in a huge, impressive half-circle.

Just absolutely gorgeous! Wait, wait until you see what's inside!