Spring Flowers in the Garden

As soon as it is reasonably warm enough to walk safely and comfortably, I like to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden at least once a week. I am lucky to have this amazing public garden practically in my back yard — it’s only about a 35-minute drive and as a member I get unlimited entry.

With the promise of a perfect day and glorious spring flowers in bloom, I headed up to the CGB with my camera, set on manual mode. I was determined to get some practice using manual rather than program or automatic modes.

I saw a beautiful yellow finch in the parking lot, but this was the only bird that I captured in the park.

The entryway planters are full of spring plantings in shades of yellow.

The cherry trees are in full bloom.

Bright columbine stands out along shady lanes.

Bright bleeding heart stands out along shady lanes.

Just when you think the tulips are gone, you run into a hillside full of color.

A few daffodils remain, but most are done for the season.

The Japanese peonies remind me my father's joy in buying new plants for his peony bed.

The Japanese peonies remind me of my father’s joy in buying new plants for his peony bed.

The geese on Daffodil Island are tending their new families.

The geese on Bird Island are tending their new families. You can see the fading blossoms from some of the thousands of daffodils that are planted here.