Carol Verhake sent in these photos today.
I thought you and your readers might enjoy seeing this small botanical garden located in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. I played tourist during a recent visit for a high school reunion and stumbled upon this treasure right next to the zoo. More information about it can be found here.
A study in contrasting textures. The big bold leaves of elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta, Zones 7–10 or as annual) look all the more dramatic for being placed in a cloud of fine-textured annuals.
Conifers can make a whole garden by themselves. Choosing a variety of sizes, colors, and textures can make a rich garden full of diversity and beauty. When shopping for conifers, be sure to check their growth rate so you can get a sense of how big they will get and how fast. With that information, you can give them plenty of room to mature.
This chair has an unusual living cushion! It looks like a species of thyme (Thymus sp.), so it is probably wonderfully fragrant as well.
An unusual archway, complete with metal ginkgo leaves, welcomes you into this formal section of the garden.
More elephant ears bring bold drama to a container.
A beautiful sculpture makes use of one of the stone benches.
Hints of the glass houses through the trees.
A beautiful and unusual fountain, set off perfectly by a simple ring of junipers, creates a frame that enhances rather than distracts from the view.
Roses and an ornamental grass look terrific together.
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Comments
I absolutely adore that archway. That is amazing!!
Very nice photos, Carol. We visited the Luthy Botanical Garden a couple of years ago when my wife had a mini-reunion with some of her close friends from Bradley University. Luthy was a pleasant surprise.
What a marvelous place to visit!!! And, wonderful pictures as well!!! Sometimes botanical gardens can be overwhelming but this one just hits the spot!!! It's so beautifully thought out!!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Lovely - especially the ginkgo arch. Love sculpture in the garden.
The archway is so free and 'blowsy' while leading into a formal garden - great contrast! I also love that you took shots that made excellent use of the 'borrowed view' of larger trees - especially that beautiful bare tree beyond the conifers garden. Good photography!
what a treat.th u for taking the time!
i have 2 requests:
--is it possible that you could find out the source of the metal ginkgo garland in the arch. i've spent a google hour,w/no success.
--did you notice if the thyme cushion had soil or stone beneath it? th u so much for any help
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