TO ALL MY WINTER WEARY readers in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and any other place where cold and snow are lingering too long into spring, I offer you a visual respite.
This is for you, as much as for me.
A spot exists in Minnesota where flowers now bloom, the air hangs humid and palm trees rise. The proof lies in the photos I took in February 2017 at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. I should have gone there this winter, just to take in the greenery, to pretend for an hour or so that I wasn’t in Minnesota.
Since I can’t physically flee to a warm climate of sunshine and seashore, I must mentally and visually escape. I can imagine I’m in Hawaii or Florida or California or some such spot through these photos I took just a little over a year ago inside the Conservatory.
Currently, the Spring Flower Show is in bloom inside the Sunken Garden, differing from the flowers in the photos showcased here. Imagine daffodils, tulips, hyacinths…the perfumed scent and bright hues of spring.
Mostly, imagine that you are in a setting devoid of snow and cold, that winter has vanished and spring arrived.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love places like this and could spend hours photographing too. Beautiful captures 🙂 Made my day and put a smile on my face – Thanks – Happy Weekend – Enjoy!!!
The Conservatory is the perfect place to retreat to during a Minnesota winter.
It is a beautiful place to escape! Although I have to say, I was just up on the North Shore and, cold though it was, it offered wintery beauty (yes, I know it’s technically spring) that made me glad for our cold climate’s artistry. 🙂
Another friend heads to the North Shore each winter and says the same. Perhaps I need to make that trek in the winter to see the beauty of winter in a way not shown here in southern Minnesota.
It’s such a wonderful place to go – – – – but not during spring break.
Weekends are busy, too.
These photos are breathtaking! It’s nice to have a respite such as this for escape.
Thank you. Yes, we need a respite here in Minnesota.
The conservatory sure makes a nice escape from the snow and cold. Great pictures and I suppose the smells inside with all those flowers was interesting too! Humm those that take care of all those plants sure must have some green thumbs, mine on the other hand not so green I can ruin a plastic flower………………..
I’m laughing about “ruining a plastic flower.”
Beautiful photo’s Audrey, Thanks for sharing a little “spring” with us 🙂
You are welcome. With more winter arriving tomorrow, I’ll need to scroll through these images again.
My daughter just went there to find spring. She thoughtfully sent me photos to AZ knowing I was missing this annual flower show. which is a visual treat. I was appreciative of the gesture.
I definitely need to make touring the Como gardens an annual event. How thoughtful of your daughter.
Thank you thank you! You ‘re right, it really helps to see beauty like this! At least every day the sun feels stronger and warmer! When it’s not hidden by clouds.
You are welcome. The sun is shining bright here this morning in southern Minnesota. I am enjoying it because…tomorrow we are under a winter storm watch. Sigh.
One of my favorite places! The smell of the dirt, the green, and the sounds of flowing water are so refreshing. It is also so special that there is no fee, just a “suggested donation”, so anyone can enjoy that respite from the everlasting winter.
That “suggested donation” is definitely an added bonus for this beautiful place. Thanks for mentioning the water features also.
A friend and I went yesterday to find a taste of spring. It was beautiful. My favorite was the sunken garden with the strong scent of hyacinth. The tulips and daffodils were quite striking too. It’s been so long since I had been there, it won’t be so long before I go next time. Perhaps we can meet up there this summer with grandkids??
Sounds like a plan.
Beautiful pictures! I picked the perfect time to come check them out too. It’s snowing pretty good now but at least we have power. My parents have been without power for almost 24 hours. I love the pink lily! Lilies are my favorite but the bother my allergies really bad.
I hope your parents get their power back soon. We are in the middle of the storm, too. I’m posting some pix shortly.
Glad I could give you a visual break from winter.
After surviving the snowiest April on record, I was ready to breathe some of that humid tropical air deep into my lungs!
http://www.kare11.com/mobile/article/news/snowiest-april-on-record/89-538449307
Thanks for sharing your pictures, as it’s the next best thing to being here! 😊
It helps, doesn’t it, to view these images that take us out of winter. Glad you enjoyed this tropical tour.