Back in August, a group of Midwest bloggers and gardeners met in the Windy City to tour several gardening and nature sites. The event was hosted by Jason and Judy, bloggers at Garden in a City.
Our first stop was the incredible Lurie Garden at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. Wow, I knew it would be impressive, but words and photos are inadequate! After all our family trips to Chicago and the suburbs, I'm embarrassed it took this long to see Lurie Garden.
It was a joy to see such a rich tapestry of colorful forbs, including many native plants, framing the architecture of Chicago's skyline.
The light was fabulous, and many native wildflowers, like Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), were still in bloom.
Lurie, designed by a team of notable horticulturists and landscapers, including plantsman Piet Oudolf, is all about waves of plants. Here: Autumn Moor Grass (Sesleria autumnalis) partnered with Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) and Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii).
I enjoyed this eye-catching pairing of Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium) with Purple Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis).
Layers of grasses and forbs--with Fountain Grass (Pennisetum) the focal point at the time--illustrated how Lurie Garden was designed for visual interest in all seasons.
After lunch, we headed to the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. In late summer, the plants and pollinators were in full swing, including this bumble bee on Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana).
Other pollinators, including this swallowtail, were enjoying the nectar of Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) and other native forbs.
It was fun to see wild native plants in the middle of the city, including:
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| Hardy Hibiscus (H. moscheutos) flanked by Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) and others |
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| More Monarda among a field of yellow composites |
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| Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) |
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| Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum), with Chicago skyline |
Our next destination was the Bahá'í Temple in Wilmette.
Swaths of blooming annuals and perennials framed fountains and walkways around the temple.
As always, Verbena (V. bonariensis) was a favorite with the pollinators.
This beautiful yellow rose captured my eye, but I didn't see a plant label.
Plentiful Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) welcomed Monarch butterflies and caterpillars, along with other pollinators like this nonaggressive great black wasp.
A little photography fun with Rose of Prairie Rose's Garden, and friend and fellow gardener, Becky.
Our last stop was the incredible Evanston garden of our hosts, Jason and Judy, bloggers at Garden in a City. Wow, look at that floral welcome along their walkway!
I took too many photos throughout the day to include them all here, but here are a few favorites from Jason and Judy's garden:
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| Honey bee on Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) |
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| Bumble covered in pollen on Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) |
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| Great Blue Lobelia (L. siphilitica) |
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| Damselfly beyond Woodland Pinkroot (Spigelia marilandica) |
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| Tiny black swallowtail caterpillar on Bronze Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) |
It was a great day--perfect weather, fabulous gardens, and great company! Thanks to Jason and Judy for hosting!
