Welcome . . . to the first of my Getting Through February field trips!
Last week after a doctor’s appointment, I decided to stop by one of my favorite local pick-me-up spots . . . Vandersalm Flowers in Kalamazoo. (It’s only a couple blocks from my doctor’s office, and I have to drive right past on my way.)
I often stop by (especially in the winter) to visit their conservatory and nurseries. It’s a sanctuary for me! Stepping into the conservatory is a joy . . . the air feels heavy and tropical, there’s an intoxicating earthy smell. It’s quiet — and so lush and green. (The day I stopped in, the temperature was in the single-digits. So all this jungle-y goodness was particularly welcoming.)
They seem to understand there at Vandersalm’s . . . that gardeners just need to wander around – especially in the dead of winter. They welcome visitors right into their nurseries — where they’re working and planting and preparing for spring. I try my best to stay out of the way, but I can’t resist looking at everything!
What a treat for this “winter gardener!”
Talk about balm for the soul. . .
And, of course, I did pick up a couple of “souvenirs” from my little adventure to take home with me . . .
Because . . . how could I resist?
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How about you? Do you have a favorite pick-me-up spot to visit in the winter?
What a lush, tropical paradise and I’m glad you took us along! I would have been overcome by all those blossoms, especially the cyclamen that look like butterflies fluttering over the foliage. I have a nursery that’s only about half as nice but it’s over an hour away; I may have to go anyway!
Those images are a balm for my eyes! I was thinking the same thing Bonny did about those beautiful cyclamen… they look like bright butterflies on those plants!
No nurseries like that near here, but it makes me think of my beloved Jonker’s Garden in Holland… it was the best “winter pick me up” spot!
I thought really hard on that and I guess I don’t. I like winter so don’t really need a pick me up. Maybe the Starbucks up in Allentown. They have a very sunny lobby and I do like sitting in the sunniest spots (as much as I really don’t care for Starbucks …….they are convenient.
I would love to have a wander around Longwood Gardens, but it is too far away and too much $$$ to get in to not really be able to wander the grounds. The conservatories would be nice though. They are beautiful.
We have a local nursery I like and that’s where I buy my amaryllis bulbs (the last one is in full glory but soon it will be bye-bye) 🙁 My favorite pick me up is a vase of cut flowers to add color to the last few days of winter. I’m glad February is short (as you know) and the spring flowers will soon be coming through the snow!
This is wonderful! And a great reminder that I want to visit a nursery near-ish to me. I only went for the first time last summer (with Hannah) and found out that they turn their tropical plant room into a cafe in the winter. I think it would be lovely to visit and soak in that atmosphere.
Your pictures look so much like the nursery near us – Otts. And, in fact, Fletch and I were there just a few weeks back. Margene’s comment reminds me that I want to stop at TJs tomorrow when I go to the office to pick up some cut flowers.
OH THE COLORS! February needs lots and lots of colors.
It looks like a magical place! It reminds me of Phipps Conservatory here, though when I go there, I can’t bring home all the souvenirs I’d like.