Mother's Day 2011
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers! Don't you think the holiday should include all women? I do!
My mom! These beautiful tulips were the first thing we saw while entering the parking lot.
The weather was beautiful here in the Chicago area on Sunday, in the 60's and sunny. We decided to take my mom to Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois!
My mom and I at Morton Arboretum
Morton Arboretum was established in 1922 by Joy Morton, the founder of Morton Salt. He used the original 750 acres of his Thornhill Estate to establish the arboretum, which has grown to 1700 acres of beautiful trees and plant specimens from all over the world.
The arboretum tests, develops and studies trees, shrubs and other plants for hardiness and diseases. It's aim is to educate people about the beauty of nature and present it in all it's glory.
The Hedge Garden features four 20-foot white pillars
We try to visit once a year. Spring is our favorite time! We love the flowering trees and the pretty spring bulbs.
The scents wafting through the air were heavenly! Flowering fruit trees, magnolias, lilacs, viburnums, mock oranges and boxwoods were some of the items we sunk our noses into!
Every time we visit, we see something we've never seen before, like this tree:
The beautiful reddish peeling bark and patchy scales were so unique and textural!
We also saw this walking path made out recycled chips of colored glass. It really sparkled in the sun!
We also noticed more and more yellow-colored magnolias. Pink Saucer Magnolias and Star Magnolias do well in our area, but we're thinking yellow must be a newer variety developed for hardiness in our zone 4.
Of course, we always love the older, twisted tree specimens. Look at those cool roots!
Now, where did Terry go?
Lots of mothers were enjoying their special day at the Arboretum today. The Visitor's Center and the Ginko Restaurant had a grill set up in the courtyard. Our grilled burgers tasted even better outdoors in the warm sun, with the gentle spring breeze blowing.
Most of the trees are just beginning to leaf out and the woodland areas were still waking up. If you're a tree-hugger, be sure to visit Morton Arboretum if you're ever in the area. There's something for everyone!
Happy Mother's Day!
posted by Pam of Eastlake Victorian at
Sunday, May 08, 2011
12 Comments:
Now that is two lovely ladies among beautiful gardens. You had a fantastic day for a trip to the gardens. I used to day trip there every summer when I lived in Thomsan, Ill. I bet the antiquing was great that weekend too. Wishing you and your mom all the best. SEa Witch
Thank you, Sea Witch ((blushing))! The weather was perfect. Wish we had more time... you're right, antiquing would have been terrific that day!
-Pam
What a beautiful place! I love all the gorgeous flowers and trees:).
Blessings,
Kim
So nice to see your mother Pam. I always find myself examining family features when I see parents and children together. You will know exactly what you will look like when you reach your mother's age. I also love that your mom kept her hair natural - just like my mom. Thank you for a lovely glimpse of you day.
Anyes
XX
Looks like a wonderful place to spend Mother's Day. The peeling tree is amazing. It's almost irredescent.
Looks like a very beautiful place. Richard at My Old Historic House
Hi Kim,
You would love it!
-Pam
Hi Anyes-
I'm with you... I like figuring out what features people got from their parents! I'm glad you think I will look like my mom at her age, because I think she looks great!
-Pam
Hi Pam-
I never knew there were maples with peeling bark. I would love to have one like this!
-Pam
Hi Richard, yes it is!
What a beautiful place. Glad you had a great day.
Liz
The day Blogger was down, I got this lovely comment from Liz at shortbreadandginger.blogspot.com that didn't make it to this post :
What a beautiful place. Glad you had a great day.
Liz
Thank you, Liz. I hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day over there in Scotland!
-Pam
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