A River of salvia (click on any photo to enlarge)
and other
sun loving prairie plants
sun loving prairie plants
runs through the Lurie Garden.The Lurie is one of my favorite public gardens and certainly the favorite of the gardens we were able to visit during Spring Fling in Chicago.
It's a garden that speaks to my Midwestern roots~~Those same roots that urge me to add plants that are challenged by the semi-sunny conditions here at Clay and Limestone. Those same roots that make my heart soar when they bloom anyway!
How could your heart not smile
when you look at this?
when you look at this?
Or delight in the sweet spring greenery of native grasses against the
strong verticals of this deep, rich purple salvia.
strong verticals of this deep, rich purple salvia.
As beautiful as the Lurie Garden is
It was the company of good friends old and new 
which made the visit delightful.
Friends whose passionate love of gardening and blogging
brought us to our second Spring Fling.
Friends whose playful spirit
which made the visit delightful.Friends whose passionate love of gardening and blogging
brought us to our second Spring Fling.
Friends whose playful spirit
brought us to within touching distance of the Cloud Gate
yours truly and Layanee
Frances, Tena (Lisa's sister), me, and Lisa
Barbara, Frances and Lisa
and made us laugh with delight all weekend.
On the plane ride to Nashville, I remarked to Frances that it wouldn't surprise me, that years from now, we will all still be Spring Flinging~~ we dear old friends and dear new ones.
Frances, Tena (Lisa's sister), me, and Lisa
Barbara, Frances and Lisaand made us laugh with delight all weekend.
On the plane ride to Nashville, I remarked to Frances that it wouldn't surprise me, that years from now, we will all still be Spring Flinging~~ we dear old friends and dear new ones.
I wish you all could have been with us! I missed each and every one of you! There's much more to share and I will post about other gardens and activities later. Have fun reading the posts of all the Spring Fling Chicago participants.
Gail
What a beautiful garden Gail! I'm glad you had a wonderful time at Spring Fling. Hopefully next year I will be able to attend. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too...Racquel. You would have had a marvelous time and come home as exhausted but smiling like all of us! ...It is a gorgeous garden and we happened to be there during the reign of Salvia! gail
ReplyDeleteWow - I've never been to Lurie Garden. It looks just beautiful!
ReplyDeletePam, The color was outstanding, but the textures and movement of the plantings was evoking of the prairie. I think that the designers succeeded. gail
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed photos of all of you guys! It's good to have faces to put with names. I know you all must have had a lot of fun;-) Maybe someday I will even try to attend one of these 'flings'. Hey, everybody's got to have a 'fling or 2' before they die, right??!!
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to like? It's purple, green & chartreuse. I wish I could have visited it with you, instead of going home to meet the kids after school. Is my mouth really that big?
ReplyDeleteGail, it was wonderful getting to meet you in person this weekend! I hope I can get to Nashville some time this year.
ReplyDeleteThe Lurie Garden was one of my favorites, too; in fact, Beckie and I made a second trip back Sunday morning before heading home. Your photos are beautiful, but even so, it's hard to capture that magnificent river of purple, isn't it?
Spring Fling was an unforgettable weekend, but the best part was meeting so many wonderful people!
I saw the Lurie Garden back in October 2005 when it was just a wee thing. How lovely it is now. Thanks for the photos, Gail.
ReplyDeleteGood friends, good food, beautiful gardens to explore--what more could anyone ask for?
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful, Gail. That purple salvia is a knockout.
ReplyDeleteFun to see some other familiar names and faces, too.
I know you had so much fun at the spring fling. Once again reading about the adventure makes me wish I could have been there. Marmee and I are having our own little fling this week... quietly and wonderfully enjoying a few days away at the beach.
How beautiful is that garden? It's just lovely and such a gift to have right in the middle of the city. I'm sorry I couldn't have been there, it sounds like so much fun. Maybe some year. I have been looking forward to reading about everyones visit and seeing pics tho. Thanks for sharing yours. I'm glad you're back home safe and sound and had such a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to make the Fling! Wish I could have been there, but recent circumstances really would have put the kibosh on it for sure! (See the blog for details if you want.)
That sea of Salvia nemorosa was amazing! Ours is going great guns right now, but nothing like that! Wow, that makes me want to plant a huge mass of it somewhere (where???), how impressive. Thanks for the envy inducing photos!
Great shots! Love that salvia. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots with the purple, chartreuse and green all with the skyscapers in the background. Looks like someone plunked down those buildings in the middle of a prairie, and it looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots with the purple, chartreuse and green all with the skyscapers in the background. Looks like someone plunked down those buildings in the middle of a prairie, and it looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteSo which one of you ran out there and placed that one lone red tulip so as to make the photo exta cool? ha-ha After seeing these pictures, purple is my new favorite color. You all had fun, I can see it in your faces.
ReplyDeleteThe purple river was the most striking planting I saw all weekend. I think it even eclipsed the poppy explosion at the CBG. The purple spires do seem to lift your spirits even in the glaring sun.
ReplyDeleteIt was my good fortune to meet you at the SF. I hope to get to see the Clay and Limestone some time. Of course you would be welcome to visit Greenbow any time, so keep that in mind.
Looks like ya'll had a Big time! All of that purple is just eye catching isn't it? Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDear Gail, as wonderful as the gardens were, the time we spent together, all of those attending was the high point for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
I am sure seeing old friends and meeting the new ones was a lot of fun. To do it in a garden is just great!! That purple river of salvia is just incredible!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, Looks like you all have a fabulous time! Those purples are stunning, the royal purple on its own and then with the light purple, it is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, Looks like you had a ball & with some old & new friends. Love the pics. Love that purple.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are home safe.
Memories & pics are for a life time.
That prairie garden is spectacular! I'd love to see it in person. You took some great photos of the river of salvia.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing to have that beautiful prairie with a backdrop of high rise buildings? It would be great if all cities had natural spaces amongst the bricks and concrete.
Marnie
That picture of the Lurie garden gave me some ideas for my hillside. Jenny will thank you! ;) Time to propagate more salvia! I'm glad your having a great time, escaping the 90 degree temperatures and all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your delightful photos from your fun-filled weekend, Gail. Thought of you often thinking how fun to meet dear bloggin' friends.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of a beautiful garden! Looks like you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful river of purple and I knew I was would be seeing it again! Spotted it yesterday on a blog and am sure I will see more of it in the Spring Fling posts to come! What a wonderful trip and looks like perfect weather for my bones! I will so try to be there next year!
ReplyDeleteRose, let me know when you are TN bound and I will try to get up there as well. I can rustle up Tina and we can all have a get together with Gail some where!
So much fun to see all the different visions of Chicago. You captured Barbara perfectly — that big smile and laugh! Already looking forward to next year.
ReplyDeleteGail: What fun we had! Your photos are gorgeous but I am right with Frances. . . loved spending time with garden lovers. What was I saying in that picture...probably 'is this the right aperture setting'? I love the interaction that the sculptures in the Park generate. Everyone stands at the Bean or Cloud Gate to witness the awe of the skyline and their imprint on it.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!! So fun to see all of you guys having a great time. I can't wait to hear all about it on the blogs. Missed being there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing both your perceptive photographer's eye and your joy in being part of CSF, Gail - the Lurie seems to get better and better! What colors!
ReplyDeleteAnnie at the Transplantable Rose
You girls are just having so much fun! I love the contrast between the purple and green. So pretty.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Hi Gail....I am so pleased that the weekend was full of fun and laughter...and of course the joy of those delightful gardens....
ReplyDeleteI love the drifts of blooms....the salvias are so pretty, I love them. I have planted some in my gardens this year and hope that they will be more successful than other years.
Chicago is a great City.....Mr P and I visited several years ago. We stayed a few nights before we took off for a fly drive holiday.....
Have a happy week in your garden......
It was a great pleasure to meet you Gail, and have a few moments here and there to chat. I wish I'd had more time to visit with you and everyone.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful. The Lurie is beautiful in late May.
Hi Gail, I love Lurie--I went there three separate times. I loved the river feel of it, and was delighted a small garden next to the art institute also had a similar feel to part of their garden. It was nice meeting you and I wish we'd had more time to chat.
ReplyDeleteGail, the Lurie was an impressive garden to say the least. I think many of us were awestruck by it's beauty. What a wonderful time I had meeting so many 'friends'. Now I can truly call you a dear friend. Let's not wait a whole year before seeing each other again!
ReplyDeleteGail, What beautiful photos! And what a FUN time you all had! Yes, I'm a little green with envy (not just my thumbs!) ;-) I'm so happy the weather was perfect. Hugs! SG
ReplyDeleteAwesome looking gardens.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the salvia.
http://www.lifeseedco.blogspot.com
The Chicago cityscape with salvia in the foreground is spectacular, Gail.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Hi everyone! I am rested and can begin unpacking! I do wish you all could have been there...this garden is such a beauty. I wish I could see it each week as the view changes and new flowers emerge. Too far away for that! Thank you for stopping by...your comments are all appreciated very much! Gail
ReplyDeleteThe Lurie Garden is one of my favorites, too. Absolutely spectacular, and makes you feel at home in the city!
ReplyDeleteSpring Fling sounds like fabulous fun, too.
Lisa
P.S. Penstemon X and the Phlox are doing well. Thanks!
Gail, the Lurie really captured my heart ... I think I could have spent days there, just moving from spot to spot and watching the garden change with the light. Seeing it with other gardeners was what really made it an exceptional experience, though!
ReplyDeleteI hope I do make it to Nashville in the next few months because I hardly had any time with you! We must remedy that!
Hi Gail, we did both love the salvia river didn't we? Yes, the friendships we made and those we renewed were the best part of all.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. I love the ones with the city in the background. Such amazing contrast between the hardness of the metal buildings and the soft, bright colors of the salvia flowers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous garden! I love anything Piet Oudolf! I am curious about after the salvia blooms. Guess there's some other fantastic plant that emerges in waves of color later.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a great time up there! Lots of smiles on all the faces around the blogs.
Cameron
Hi Gail. I wanted to go back to the Lurie Garden for a second look, but we didn't make the time. It is truly impressive and has lots of good ideas for the sunny utility meadow here. You captured it very well.
ReplyDeleteNow we have met for the first time. There is sure to be more get togethers in the future since we are almost neighbors.
Gail, I've never seen a really beautiful image of Chicago before – but you just changed that. The purple, organic mass is wonderful against the chrome, glassy skyline of scrapers. Brilliantly captured!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures. The contrast between city and nature makes for a powerful effect. Love all the colours too!
ReplyDeleteAh! I'd love to take a dive into that river. My heart swells at the sight of it. My current state of mind definitely requires such mood-lifters. Thank you, Gail, for such a wonderful sight!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful planting, and you all are having so much fun. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Especially with my favorite city in the background. I couldn't afford to go to this year's Spring Fling...I'm hoping that maybe next year?
ReplyDeleteyour photos of SF are sensational. LOVE THEM! plus, I have always adored the G OKeefe saying on your side bar.
ReplyDeleteSee ya soon.
Hi Gail: I loved that Chicago garden. How did I ever miss it when I was in the city last summer? Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photos and gardening experiences. A pleasure... Teresa
ReplyDeleteGail, many hugs to you for these wonderful, uplifting purple-green pictures! It's so nice to see your happy faces!
ReplyDeleteIt was great hanging out with you in Chicago! Come to DC sometime! Otherwise, I'll see ya online til the next fling. Hugs. S
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a river of garden bloggers as well, don't you think? And it's a river that runs world wide. Glad to see that you all had so much fun. Perhaps next time .....
ReplyDeleteAwesome! It's all very awesome. I'm glad you had a good time and good weather. Barbara's garden is beautiful and looks as so the friendships old and new are too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletelooks like a wonderful trip and a river of salvia... how cool is that!
ReplyDeleteGail - how I wish I could have been there! Those shots of The Lurie and The Bean are fantastic. One of our gardening magazines did a feature on The Lurie a few months back. They must have photographed it at quite a different time as the planting they showed us was mainly Echinacea and grasses. It's so good to see quite a different view of it :)
ReplyDeleteI must admit I looked at this post a while ago. Do you mind if I link to it as part of my ongoing public planting meme?