The last several weeks have been extremely busy and I haven’t paid as much attention to the blog as I should. Since November I’ve been to Chicago, San Francisco, and Denver. Chicago was a quick getaway trip that was cold, gray, rainy, and full of fall colors.

Every once in a while it’s nice to take a relaxing day trip and Atlanta to Chicago is perfect for a quick adventure. I took the train from O’Hare into the city and walked around Millennium Park and the water front trail in Grant Park. From there I doubled back towards the Art Institute of Chicago where I discovered Lurie Garden. It was late October, so there weren’t many flowers in bloom, but the garden was still a wonder to see. The back drop of Lurie Garden is downtown Chicago and in fall you get a particularly nice view of the Jay Pritzker Pavillion. The garden beds were full of long grasses, browning northern sea oats and clusters of fluffy white flat top asters, bright purple tatarican asters, and orchid-like toad lilies. I spent a good half hour walking around the pavilion scoping out all these mid-western beauties, and I hope to go back in every season here after!

Up, up and away on a cloudy gray day

There were more colorful fall leaves on the ground than there were on the trees when I arrived in the blustery Windy City.

One of my favorite places to visit in Millennium Park is the Bean because I like to see the city and its reflection.

View of the Jay Pritzker Pavillion from Lurie Park

Lurie Park and the city back drop

This cluster of asters was a happy pop of color on a gray, rainy day.

Do you have questions about my visit to Chicago? Are you looking to plan a trip? Or do you just have questions about your indoor and outdoor plant babies?  If you’d like to know more about my travels or if you have questions about your plant colony, leave a comment below or feel free to contact The Garden Generalist. I would love to hear from you!