This fall we took a trip to Seattle since we had never visited that city except as a way-point through the airport on our way somewhere else.  We took in all the sights a tourist could want:  the Space Needle, a harbor cruise, Pike Place Market, a Wine & Waterfalls tour to Woodinville, museums, the aquarium, and many fine meals.  There is so much to do in this city. 

What I didn't expect was the enjoyable hours we spent at the Chihuly Garden and Glass right under the Space Needle.  I was familiar with Dale Chihuly's work since it is featured on the Mendota Wall in the Kohl Center at UW-Madison.  

The tour begins in a room that shows the early objects that influenced Mr. Chihuly and showcases just a few of his many collections with Native American blankets and baskets.  

The remaining rooms highlight dramatic displays of glass. 

And then the gardens are a true inspiration of color, plant combinations, and glass shapes.  

Even the gift shop was inspirational and an easy place to get carried away with all the wonderful items.  Luckily I had no more room in my suitcase.

Those of you who know me well know that I am a lover of shoes (and boots).  I believe a proper shoe or boot completes an outfit.  As I am getting summer stuff put away and pulling out things for the next season I discovered that I have accumulated quite a garden boot collection. 

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?  

​Elevation 1313 Feet.  I live at the confluence of the east and west forks that start the Chippewa River.  It flows 180 miles to join the Mississippi River at Lake Pepin that is the widest naturally occurring part of the Mississippi River, located about 60 miles south of Saint Paul and on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota.

​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.