Thursday, August 5, 2021

Botanical Gardens Tour - Day 1 - Thursday, July 29, 2021 - Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN

 In order to break up the long trip between my home and the state where my parents and sister and her family live, I planned a trip of botanical gardens to visit along the way.  This would be my first solo road trip in a long time and a chance to enjoy some gardens without having to worry about whether a travel companion was getting impatient as I chase yet another bumble bee.  

My first stop was Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee which is about a three hour drive from our home.  I had requested a timed ticket for when they opened at 9 which meant an early morning but was very worth it as the temperatures climbed.  The high that day in Nashville was supposed to be 99*F with a dew point close to 80*F.  Even though it was morning so hadn't reached those temperatures yet, I would be lying if I said it wasn't hot and sticky!

I didn't get tickets to the mansion as that is something my husband would really enjoy and we will be back to Nashville but the gardens surrounding the mansion are absolutely breathtaking.  I'll let my photos do the rest of the talking.

















Artist Sean Kenney had created these lego animals that were found throughout the garden - a special exhibit this summer.









Rabbits made out of legos - part of the exhibit by Sean Kenney
















The Japanese Gardens were really designed well with views from quite a few angles. include from above on a small hill


After about two hours, I decided it was time to continue on my journey.  I was staying at the Fairfield Inn in Champaign, IL that was about 6.5 hours away.


Botanical Gardens Tour - Day 2 - Friday, July 30, 2021 - Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, IL

 I had 9am timed tickets to the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL and a three hour drive and so I started my day early.  Fortunately, the hotel had already put out coffee and had a wrapped bagel I could grab even though breakfast wasn't quite open.  

When I arrived at the garden and stepped out of my car, I couldn't believe the weather I was experiencing.  It was 68*F with a dew point of 56*F!  Between the gorgeous weather and the fact that the gardens were almost empty and so peaceful, I could have stayed hours!

Japanese gardens don't typically have many flowers but they had a pot of the most beautiful yellow flowers.



I made some friends - These juvenile ducks were really hoping I had food!















I spent about two hours at the garden before heading to my parents house to spend the weekend.