Fernwood Fan

My idea of a vacation is to find the nearest botanical garden to my vacation spot, and visit there. Doesn't matter where I go, if there's a garden nearby, I'll find it. So it's rather surprising to me that I haven't visited Fernwood Botanic Gardens in Niles Michigan for so many years. My hometown of St. Joe is only a half hour away, and I visit there every year. So this time I finally made it down to Fernwood. What a treat!

It was a drizzly, hazy kind of day, but it wasn't enough to keep me away.

But it was enough to keep me close to the visitor center.

I especially enjoyed this border, which didn't seem to have a name. I called it the bog garden. There was a small creek winding through here, and the plantings all looked so natural. Almost like they weren't even planned, yet artfully arranged nonetheless.

I especially liked this pennisetum planted with mouse garlic in between. So pretty and natural.

And this little living willow bridge really caught my eye.

 Found a couple of peaceful sitting spots. Wouldn't you like to curl up with a book here?

 The delightful train garden would surely have tickled the fancy of my small grandson. It's set up with a sensor to detect your presence, so that the train begins to move when you enter the area. What fun! 

Soon the rain became bothersome, so I went inside for a glass of delicious spiced iced tea and a cup of tortilla soup. It was such a peaceful, relaxing day. I can't wait to go back and explore further!