It's time again for the monthly family outings!
The past few weeks have been sort of scarce concerning good blogging material - at least that's how I felt. But not this week!! In fact, I had so much to show you that I'm going to divide it into two parts and the rest will be posted next week.
The destination for the Outing this month was the Mitchell Park Conservatory or more well know in the Milwaukee area as "The Domes." I have been going to the Domes since I was a child and they are wonderful.
The Conservatory was first built in 1898 and originally was a "greenhouse" setting and was used until 1955! Not surprisingly by that time it was considered unsafe and was demolished. After a design competition, the winning local architect introduced plans for 3 beehive-shaped (not geodesic) glass domes. They are 140' in diameter at the base and 85' high containing 15,000 square feet of growing space for display.
Each Dome has a distinct climate and exhibits plants in their natural settings. These are Tropical, Arid, and Floral Show domes. It was finally completed in stages in 1967. Although they are showing some wear and like most park systems, need more money, they are still a wonderful and awe inspiring place to visit - especially in the dead of winter!
Today's blog I'll be showing the Tropical Dome. Most plants I can't identify, but the orchids are easy to spot, and palm trees too. As you might have guessed over time, I like to include pictures of signs - so there are a number of them that are unusual and interesting.
Sisters Cindy and Sue were there and Kelly, Maiko, Jess and Guy also came along. After the Domes we went to a great Italian restaurant called "Bravo" (very original Italian name...) ,enjoyed a delicious meal and then checked out Guy's new condo he just bought. What a wonderful time I had!
We had an excellent time and what I've shown is just a drop in the bucket, but you can surely see what I mean. There was a lovely waterfall and two ponds as well as fish and a few birds that had gotten in or had been illegally released. We also saw some cabbage moths!! The other two Domes are very interesting too and you'll see those soon.
*************************
Beauty is not caused,
It is.
Emily Dickinson
*********************
Bye for now,
Alyssa
11 comments:
Well I sat here and I checked each day... I was getting sadder each time... them WOW....
What a great come-back this is... a beatiful set of pictures and much more..
Alyssa,
"Beauty is not caused. It is." And this is what you show. During the winter doldrums, you show hope in this post, Alyssa. What a fabulous place to wander and to lose yourself. You know already, I especially adored those ponds - so green and lush and thriving...
We have a "Bravo" here in Charlotte and have enjoyed it many times! Italiano? Yes! How nice to have everyone toast to a great day.
I look forward to more. In the meantime, I'll be dreaming of a few drenching rains - maybe a tropical depression???
Old Wom - Oh, I'm sorry you were distressed by my absence. As I said, there didn't seem to be much of interest to post. To see so much green growth and flowers does make for a fun blog!
Mary - I'm glad my post cheered you a bit. It sure got me in the mood for Spring! The ponds and waterfalls were a real draw for everyone there. I think water always pulls people to it. The other domes are just as cool and I can't wait to show everyone.
I will do a little rain dance for you in your dry state. Let's hope that you will be receiving moisture in the next months so you can enjoy spring.
These are absolutely beautiful, Alyssa, and just what I needed today, I'm rather done with winter. I'm partial to orchids, so enjoyed them especially, but the rest of your photographs were a sight for sore eyes, too.
Pam - I'm always amazed at all the variations of orchids. They are an exceptional group of flowers! I'm happy to hear that my pictures have brightened your day. It was a wonderful day for me to be inside a warm, green atmosphere.
Beautiful flowers. I guess you must have enjoy your family outing. Very nice.
Alice - Yes, I had a really enjoyable day viewing the flowers and being with my family.
What a wonderful place to pass a pleasant afternoon. It reminds me that I should make a trip to Sudbury and Science North and spend some time in the Butterfly Conservatory. That might lift me from the mid Winter blues.
Tossing - By all means, see how the butterflies are doing. I know you'll feel lots better. I sure did!
Awesome Alyssa, I am looking forward to more about the domes and your adventures...
It's great that you have these regular family outings. The Conservatory was a perfect setting at this time of year. The Domes are fascinating structures and the dome you covered in this post was filled with beautiful plants.
Post a Comment