A Walk through Cheekwood - Happy Easter!

Come take a walk with me as I take in the flowers blooming in the Robert Ellis Color Garden at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. This gorgeous garden was adorned with red and yellow Tulips in every size and variety that the landscapers could possibly imagine.

Visitors may have surrounded me as I meandered along the garden path, but it was as though I were totally alone in the universe, as I took in every vibrant red and stunning yellow Tulip popped open with sunshine diving deep into its inner beauty.

The deep reds and yellows were laden with black centers and large stamens. The varieties of Tulips was astounding with single and double and even peony shaped Tulips all around.

Oh, Cheekwood how you out did yourself on this glorious Bloom Fest celebration.

Every Spring I attempt to capture the beauty of the Crepe Myrtles as they stand sentinel keeping a watchful eye over the stunning blooms around them.

Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Jonquils, Petunias. Thank you Cheekwood for a glorious Bloom Fest. I take my hat off to you!!

I wish each and every one of you a very peaceful and Happy Easter. May your day be filled with sunshine and bright blue skies. And may all the wonders of Easter surround you. Whether it be chocolate bunnies and dyed eggs or a sit down feast of scrumptious baked ham with all the trimmings, I wish everyone peace and joy on this glorious day of Resurrection. ENJOY!

Cheekwood Bloom Fest 2019 ... Lavender and Purple Hues

What a headline! Just hang on because we're talking purple and lavender hues. A feast for your eyes!

This is a double flowering Tulip called Tulip Blue Wow. Where it got this name, I haven't a clue. But the Wow part of the name definitely says it all for me.

Say 'hello' to a gorgeous deep Burgundy Lace Tulip. I don't know which I love more, the deep burgundy hue or the lace tips that look slightly cut into the flower.

Purple Hyacinths and yellow Tulips, what more can one ask for. A stunning garden display that sits behind the Botanical Hall in the Robert Ellis Color Garden.

Capturing the full sun lit lavender Tulips was a challenge. So I bent down and snap a few pics of the Tulips with the sun shining in front and my pics snapped from behind. This is the result. You be the judge.

The Purple Hyacinth and orange Violets were a big hit on my Facebook page. You just never know what will inspire people. Matters not, because all I want is to inspire whether it's a purple Hyacinth or a waterfall. Inspiration is all I'm looking for.

Searching far and wide, I never found the name of this Tulip and failed to check the garden marker. Many of the flower petals stood wide open offering up a bird's eye view of the inside and the stamen. So gorgeous.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is situated just south of Nashville proper and today is the last day of Cheekwood's Bloom Fest featuring many, many, many species of Tulips, as well as Hyacinths, Jonquils, Violets and more.

I had hoped to find some cloud cover when I arrived yesterday based on the meterologist's forecast, but instead found full sun. It can be quite difficult to capture the best images in full light when shooting flower photography. Don't let that stop you. Inspiration lies in every single petal you capture.

 I hoped you enjoyed this journey through the purple and lavender hues of Bloom Fest this year. I'll come back soon with gorgeous red and yellow Tulips. You won't want to miss that. ENJOY!

Tulips & Hyacinths

On my last visit to Cheekwood, I encountered a gorgeous flower garden filled with bright yellow Tulips and pink Hyacinths. The second I caught a glimpse of this garden, thoughts of Easter began to conjure up in my mind. It was the perfect abode to Easter what with Sunday being the holiday. Hyacinths were originally from the Middle Eastern countries. Something I did not know until I looked up the flower itself online. Also during the Victorian era, Hyacinths were revered for their long lingering fragrance.

Those violets, if that is the flower they are, tucked throughout the entire garden made for an amazing display. While I have never been and never will be a gardener, I honestly have to say I am amazed to think of all of the work that goes into each individual garden. At every turn in the walkway, there is a different colored flower featured, not to mention a different species altogether, and then with the other flowers tucked in throughout, it surely is a big job tending to these gardens. In my opinion, the most beautiful displays are very close to the front of the botanical gardens especiallly around the Bradford Robertson Color Garden and the Botanical Hall.

There is a walkway lined with Crepe Myrtles near the Botanical Hall. Last year I was able to capture images of gorgeous yellow and red Tulips blooming all throughout those Crepe Myrtles. However, it was too early this year. If you missed that post from last year, simply go here.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is a truly remarkable place to visit as are most botanical gardens. There are gardens within Cheekwood that have become increasingly familiar to me. Yet, I don't think I will ever be as fond of any place as I am Bernheim, perhaps if for no other reason than it is close to home for me being right outside Louisville. It is in the sixties with lots of sunshine here this weekend. I am exhausted from work due to numerous deadlines, but I am hoping to get outdoors none the less. I wish for you is a fabulous weekend. ENJOY!