by Keri Byrum | Jan 22, 2019 | Garden Visits |
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Nature Conservancy. All opinions are 100% mine. It’s a Wednesday morning in January and I am working harder than I would like to admit to keep up with my dad. The thermometer reads 22 degrees. But as we walk around the lake the cold, crisp air is barely felt through our warm clothing. It is a beautiful day and we talk about a variety of things including the way the surrounding prairie planting has changed throughout the fall and winter and the shift of the ice on the lake. We, like many others, are blessed to take advantage of public lands. The local conservation of these public spaces is talked about often, and on a morning like this, I appreciate the work of organizations such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC).… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Aug 23, 2018 | Garden Visits |
On a very hot, muggy June day we made our way to Omaha’s botanic garden, Lauritzen Gardens. We had few expectations and driving through an urban area and down narrow side streets it was hard to imagine what would be awaiting us at the end. Even upon pulling into the parking lot I knew we were in for a great morning! The beautifully landscaped parking area was worth stopping in and taking a few photos by itself and also gave a sneak peak of the conservatory structure as it sat in the background. To be fair, it was really hot outside. With a six month old baby in tow, we knew our time here would be limited to about an hour or so.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Mar 19, 2018 | Garden Visits |
Is it possible that we spend too much time thinking about color schemes and designs for our gardens? Could colorblind gardening be the next trend for gardeners? Last summer I had the pleasure of attending the Garden Writers conference in Buffalo, New York. Have you been to Buffalo recently? It is wonderful! Garden Walk Buffalo is America’s largest garden tour and gives you the opportunity to snoop, I mean explore, private gardens across the city. The photos on this post share one of the most memorable gardens I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy. A small sign reads: Colorblind people make the best gardeners. Joe, the gardener here has a major color deficiency. Hope you can’t tell! I would say that Joe’s colorblind gardening should give us all inspiration.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Jul 21, 2017 | Garden Visits |
On a perfect summer day last week, Mike and I made the trip to Decorah, Iowa to visit the Seed Savers Exchange. I’ve heard about Seed Savers Exchange for many years, but since our trips to Iowa were often very short, we just didn’t have time to include this in our itinerary. Not so now! Seed Savers Exchange Mission: We conserve and promote America’s culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants. The very charming Lillian Goldman Visitors Center was our first stop. I probably should have taken a photo of the inside of this building, with walls filled with their seed offerings and various gardening books and tools, it was a little bit of heaven!… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Feb 12, 2017 | Garden Visits |
A trip to Ohio in January? Why not? A couple of weeks ago now I flew to Columbus to speak at the Midwest Green Industry Xperience, MGIX, and had just enough time to sneak away from the convention center to see Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden. The modern facade on the front is strategically combined with the very formal Palm House, build in 1895. The design of this grand Victorian-style glass greenhouse was influenced by the success of Chicago’s World Fair and Colombian Exposition in 1893. The high roofline of the Palm House let the tall palms grow, and even houses this glowing Chihuly glass sculpture. I arrived late in the afternoon and had just enough time to hustle my way through each of the greenhouses.… Read Full Post
by Keri Byrum | Jan 10, 2017 | Garden Visits |
Each year we make our annual pilgrimage north for the holidays. While I love to visit public gardens anywhere we visit, late fall doesn’t always tend to be the best time. Unless you are visiting Duke Gardens in fall. Sarah P. Duke Gardens is situated in the heart of the Duke campus. The stunning topography, stone work, plant combinations and quality of horticulture make this a must visit any time of year. But fall? Oh yes, visiting Duke Gardens in fall is a very special treat. Our visit in late November was one of the last opportunities to take your dog through the gardens. As of January 1 the policy allowing dogs has been changed, but none the less it was great for us to get out and stretch our legs after a long car ride.… Read Full Post
