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Last weekend I flew to Chicago to see the King Tut exhibit at the Field Museum. It was marvelous but "no picture taking allowed." Darn it! But I could and did take photos at the Garfield Park Conservatory. I found these Joint ferns astonishing. They covered every rocky surface in the Fern Room. Living in a semi-arid climate I'm always agog when I see lush growth like this in a moist, humid environment. I almost took off my jacket but did I mention it was windy? The cold seeped into my bones and stayed with me even in the hothouse! _resize.jpg)
I almost warmed up when I saw this version of a prickly pear cactus. I couldn't find the sign with the botanic name but if it was up to me I would call them chenille cactus. Instead of spines they had soft white dots on them just like those chenille bedspreads we used to have when we were kids. Speaking of bed, I slept on the best mattress at a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. I would like to have taken it home with me. Or maybe it wasn't that good but just felt like it in comparison to the lumpy one at my house. I ventured out into the small walled garden at the hotel a couple of times (I guess that was the Courtyard part).
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It was actually quite charming with frescoes and sculpture on the walls. This guy summed up my feelings about the weather quite well. I understand the wind ceased as soon as I left, but I came home to my own windy city in my leaf-strewn yard.
6 comments:
Oh, how wonderful! We were Field Museum members for years and years - and were thrilled when the first Tut exhibit came there in the late seventies. I've been back to the Art Institute, but haven't been inside The Field in 7 years... even longer since we were at the Garfield Conservatory.
That cactus does look like chenille. [Does anyone else think of the mom's "rump-sprung chenille housecoat" in A Christmas Story?]
I can remember going to the smaller Lincoln Park Conservatory in the middle of winter, when the air outside was so dry and sharp - coming inside to orchids and ferns was like a miracle. What a cool trip, LostRoses!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Annie, the Field Museum lived up to my expectations, it was very grand and "museum-like". All those sweeping ceilings, balustrades, and great echoing halls. How nice that you got to experience it so much back when.
I have to admit to being a bit confused when we came upon the area by car. At first glance, I mistook Soldier Field for the museum! A football stadium with Doric columns? Who would've thought?
Hi Lostroses, That sounds like a fun trip. In the late 70's I lived in near Chicago and loved the museums.
I came by hoping to see your refrigerator. :) My curiosity has been piqued.
That picture of the ferns is so pretty. At first I thought it was baby's tears. Looks lovely and wild.
Hey Zoey, I don't know about posting that fridge pic, it would be pretty scary.
Salix, baby tears! Yes, that's what they reminded me of too.
I had a chance to see the King Tut exhibit when it came to Ft Lauderdal, I agree it was fantastic.
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