Joanne and I visited friends in Knoxville, Tennessee over the Memorial Day weekend. Part of our visit included a visit to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum.  The gardens have a very lovely setting, but need a sugar daddy or corporate sponsor and a bunch of Master Gardeners. There were some lovely spots and moments. Here are some shots from the gardens. Thanks Nancy for the photo of Joanne and I in the big chair.

Lavender Ready to Bloom

Friend Pat and I meandered over some gravel roads on a very beautiful day today in Jackson County Michigan. The sights, sounds, smells, and company all made for a delightful morning. Here is a bit of what we encountered:

The transformation to Hidden Lake Gardens in less than one week was astounding and, at times, a bit of sensory overload. The heavy rain followed by sunny days brought out new wildflowers, hosta, tulips, and bees. Thought for the day: All flowers trace their roots (pun alert) to wildflowers. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

Friend Pat and I have decided to try and visit Michigan State University’s 755-acre Hidden Lake Gardens once a week for the next few weeks to show the progression of Spring through wildflowers and other changes. These photos are from Tuesday’s visit where we saw some flowers beginning to fade (like many daffodils), some peeking out, and others in full bloom.