22 years!

This past spring I was thinking about when I might like to do to change my garden. I cam across the idea to make a meditation labyrinth. I really like the idea, but decided that it really wouldn't be something that I would have time to use and I'd rather have a gazebo in the space the labyrinth would take. However, when looking for ideas I found out that Holy Family Memorial Medical Center here in Manitowoc has a labyrinth! How cool is that? Well, today Don and I went to take a look at it in 86 degree weather. I think we would have enjoyed it more had it been a little cooler, but it was still really nice.

The first picture is of some Asiatic lilies that caught my eye. From the road they look like they're watermelon colored. You can't really tell they are two toned. I need some of these.

Here's the labyrinth. It was probably about 20 feet across. They had piped in elevator music, which I could have done without, but the benches and flowers were great.

I have lived in Manitowoc for twenty-two years. I LOVE gardening and flowers. At one time I lived four blocks away from the next garden I'm going to show you. This is the first time I have ever been to "West of the Lake Gardens" here in Manitowoc. Can you believe it? This place is WAY cool! You can't tell how large or beautiful it is from the front of the property. It sits right on the Lake Michigan lake shore.

If you go, make sure you pick up the self guided tour pamphlet. It gives the history of the garden and of the creator, Mae West. She started it in 1934 from a weedy 6 acre plot. Imagine the work!

There are ten garden areas. The first is the Asian Garden. It has a very angular water feature and two cute flower holding statures. They are just adorable!



Next is the Koi pond. It's gorgeous. Until now I wasn't tempted to put fish into my pond/fountain here at home. The fish were even beautiful - in a fishy kind of way.


Who doesn't love roses? You'll get your fill here. Don takes a rest from the heat under the shade tree along the way. It's right across from the oblong diamond shape fountain.




This next planting is so simple but so effective. It's just some round bushes around the outside of the tree ring, but the red coleus in the center just sets it off. I need to remember this for some place in my own yard.

Guess what the name of this garden is. Yep, the Red and White Garden. The red and white were very balanced and formal looking. Lovely.

As you may know, Manitowoc is the home to the Badger car ferry. It runs across to Holland, Michigan. While visiting the garden, the Badger was coming back from Holland. As you'll remember, it was very hot and the lake is very cold. Thus, there was fog on the lake. Makes for a very cool picture.

Here's my favorite part of the garden. The colors are so vivid. I was happy that the picture showed the colors so well.

I have no idea what these flowers are called. They look kind of strange to me. Do you see the topiary type evergreen in the back by the building? I think these trees look ridiculous and call them Dr. Seuss trees. It goes well with the blue flowers because they looks strange, as well.

This is the path for the Woods garden. Just before we got here the wind switch so that it was coming off the lake. It started out at 86 degrees like I said, but when we got back into the car it was 69! That's what they call lake air-conditioning. Felt good, though.

Hope you enjoyed the garden tour. I think I'll go back next spring when they have the spring bulbs up. If you're in the area, this garden it definitely worth the stop.

Jill