The Garden of Garfield

Outside the conservatory. Beyond the pavement it's all bare.

I keep complaining about how cold it is in Chicago. According to the natives this winter has been the coldest in like the past five years.  The one time I decide to venture overseas for an extended period I get the freak weather (the downpour that came down after being evacuated from the Bjork concert almost blinded me. 'stru!). On the plus side I’m generally lucky so I’ll let this instance slide.  Experiencing wind-chill factor of -40°Celsius is something I don’t think I’ll ever embrace. Moments felt like I was on some extreme challenge only without the cameras – good thing too because it would have been a pathetic sight.

Inside

Ah. A break. It’s green, lush and familiar. Yes it’s all under glass and exists through controlled propagation. Nonetheless – rejoice! For a change of scenery of bare trees lining the concrete sidewalks a friend decided we’d go the Garfield Conservatory. Above all it’s FREE.99 to get the feel of summer, minus the sun of course, whenever I want. Hang on… without the sun it doesn’t count does it…

I throw my hands up in the air it’s still better just plain freezing. 

Dale Chihuly yellow glass sculptures

Saguaro Cactus Skeleton, I didn't this was real.

According to the label for this dry skeleton: This is the skeleton of a 100-year-old Saguaro cactus. The very strong framework of woody ribs running up the stem enables it to stand upright and withstand windstorms.  The deep parallel pleats on a living plant fold and unfold an accordion. During wet periods they expand to store water, and in drought they shrink. A large Saguaro can hold 700 gallons (about 2600 litres) of water and weighs 9 tons.

One of the many shout outs to Mzansi plants