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Garden Aspirations


We all dream of having a beautiful garden. Preferably without weeds. Just flowers in bloom and green grass all year round. Which is why I just love to see the seasonal floral display at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas. I know I will never be able to plant healthy blooms such as those at Bellagio on hardpan soil. But I have great expectations anyway.


These larger than life lady beetles are made of hundreds of red carnations and are surrounded by a sea of mums and kalanchoe.


And the frog prince reigns contentedly amidst yellow, red, and blue flowers anchored by a pavilion draped with stars and stripes banners. The frog prince is appropriately clad in what else? - kermit chrysanthemums, reindeer moss, green coffee bean and sheer moss.


A little whimsy goes a long way. Bicycles with floral baskets tossed idly against a wooden railing and a ticket booth signal lazy days ahead. Message: don't rush. Just enjoy the long, hot days of summer under the shade.

Cap Martin near Menton, Claude Monet

Monet had a deep interest in gardening and designed his own garden in Giverny which served as the inspiration for many of his paintings including his water lillies and le pont Japonais. How appropos then to interpret his oeuvres with flowers! Cap Martin near Menton is a rich and organic painting (from the original) with hundreds of flowers framed artfully, bien sûr.

This nursery rhyme brings me back to my garden aspirations:
"Mary, Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle shells
And marigolds all in a row".

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Images by Charie

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