Happy April everyone and in case you haven’t heard, there is a Total Eclipse of the Heart Sun on Monday, April 8, 2024 (a little Bonnie Tyler/Meatloaf musical humor :)
In my last Post I mentioned the Chicago Park and Boulevard System and that I had visited one of the Gems of Chicago’s “Emerald Necklace”.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is not a Hidden Gem, it is a very visible Oasis/Gem on the West side of the City of Chicago located in Garfield Park.
The trip for me involved a 15 minute walk to the Aurora Metra Station, 1 hour train ride to Union Station, 20 minute walk to N Clinton Street Station to catch the Green Line “L” train, 10 minute wait?, 12 minutes on the train and exit at the Conservatory Stop/Central Park Ave and a 7 minute walk to the entrance :)
It might sound like a lot but it is actually kind of interesting and is a good way to start a day. The Green Line (West Lake Street) passes through some neighborhoods that appear to have had better days but there are signs of revitalization. It also passes a few blocks north of the United Center (some day I will get off and get a photo of the Michael Jordan statue :)
The drawing below is a very minimal map of the Conservatory and Grounds:
In addition, I Get to Volunteer at the Garfield Park Conservatory. I have already completed 3 different shifts, 9am to noon. I “pruned?”, “weeded?” a small section of Maidenhair ferns/Mossy Rocks? :) and twice have Deadheaded Azalea bushes from the Show House for future blooming :)
My goal/plan is to try and Volunteer there one day a week.
Spring is trying to start here in the Aurora area and with forecasted temperatures in the 60’s (maybe low 70’s) next week, it just might happen :) Here are a few photos of “Spring” so far:
A couple of Gulls visiting the area :)
Amazing, it appears very large. Love the blooming spring flowers! Our daffodils and a few tulips are blooming, been cool and rainy in Springfield the past week. Great pictures and videos. LeeAnn
ReplyDeleteI think it was a beaver. Happy Spring! Patty
ReplyDelete