On our Mediterranean cruise this March we were fortunate to stop at the Exotic Gardens of Monaco.  It is amazing what you can do when (1) you are the king of a principality, (2) you are rich enough to employ several hundred gardeners, and (3) have several generations of family that contribute to the garden. 
 
Although we did not see the entire garden, what we did see was impressive.  These four acres are set on a rocky hillside and was opened in 1933 by Prince Albert I.  Although dominated by succulents, there are also roses and I even found some spring bulbs.  Only later did I pause to think about how that was possible in this temperate climate with not enough of a cold period for bulbs to bloom naturally.  I would hazard a guess that they kept the bulbs in cold storage and planted them outside to enjoy this spring.  Just like we would do to force bulbs, except on a larger scale.  Again, money and labor can create a wonderful garden. 
 
Most of all I love the address of this garden. 
​Wouldn’t you love to live on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique?  

"Not all those who wander are lost."  J.R.R. Tolkien

​I was reminded this winter of what it feels like to be at least a little lost in a new store.  I wandered into my local quilt shop, River’s Edge Antique & Quilt Loft  in Hayward with a pattern and a few pieces of fabric from my stash.  My goal was to make a crib quilt for a new baby that will be joining our family this spring.  Upon entering I see a few bolts of cloth but am disappointed with the limited selection.  But Wait!  The name of the shop should have clued me in that there was more and there certainly was upstairs.  My stumbling about reminded me that we are beginners at some point and these specialized businesses that support our crafts and passions are there to help us.  

​On April 4, 2017 my husband and I visited the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands about 20 miles from Amsterdam.  Everything about the garden is impressive:  7 million bulbs, 100 bulb companies, 800 varieties of tulips, and 80 acres of displays.  And unless you hop on a plane right now you will need to wait until next year, it closes on May 21, 2017.   The park hosts over a million visitors over an eight-week period.  It is only open each year from late March to mid-May. 
 
The outdoor displays showcase the very best that the bulb growers have to offer.  We arrived on the early side of the tulip season.  Getting around the park was very easy and I was able to take pictures without people crowding out the scenic views.  A neighbor went just two weeks after us around Easter and he reported that it was difficult to walk around.  We understand from locals that during the prime time you can barely move in the park.  So there is a trade-off between prime tulip blooms and crowds of people. 
 
Three large pavilions showcase cut flowers, orchids, and tulip displays inside.   Next to the park are bulb fields that can be explored by a canal boat or by bicycle.  Of course, as with any other attraction there are plenty of opportunities to shop and eat. 
 
This is one of the top 50 gardens of the world.  I can vouch that it is one of the most spectacular that I have ever visited.  If you are a gardener this should be on your bucket list.