Meijer Gardens ~ 8/17/14

It was a perfect, lazy morning to take a walk after a busy weekend and we decided to take it at Meijer Gardens. Roy had only been there a few times so I was the tour guide. Being a member and an ex-volunteer, I know the place like the back of my hand ~ probably better :-)

The Boardwalk is my favorite place to start and we saw egrets, mallards, and swans.

We thought this perching bird in the distance was a juvenile Green Heron but my Michigan Birdwatching group insists it is a Great Blue Heron, and I bow to their expertise.

When we spotted this fast-moving caterpillar, nearby visitors moved in for a closer look.

David Nash is exhibiting indoors and outdoors and here are his things that we found. And if you haven't seen them, you're out of luck because today was the last day. First, indoors:

Then, as we came across his sculptures in other places:

Some awesome creations in the children's garden:

Our walk around the perimeter brought us to many standard bearers, most photographed many times before, but here are a few highlights ~ the Neuron and Resting Men :-)

The horse, always the horse, and the beast.

The waterfall is a consistent draw, for koi and photographers:

It's my go-to place when I need serenity ~ in the off-season :-) But today was lovely.

Meijer Gardens ~ 3/18/14

We finally had a day in the 40s and there's not a better place to walk and enjoy the weather than Meijer Gardens (officially known as Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park). I was a little surprised how crowded it was and then was reminded that the butterflies were blooming. Strollers and wheel chairs were making their way through to the Conservatory. I was a little dismayed for a moment but then happy I'd get to see the butterflies :-)

After about 15 minutes, I had to leave. It felt like 85 degrees

with about 80% humidity. Outside it was sweet relief with barely a soul around ~ just nature and sculptures.

 

 

 

      

The waterfall was quite stunning in its winter beauty and with water running.

                         The Japanese Garden is still coming along (opening 2015).

                                               And I got to see my first Robin of the season.

I walked the entire park and my last stop is always the small exhibit hall back inside just before the exit. It's currently showing Master Drawings & Prints by Sculptors. It didn't sound that interesting to me but ended up holding some fascinating things. (Also notable, Meijer Garden has finally allowed photos in this space but no flash or professional photographers. There was a lot of pushback during ArtPrize when this space was the only place where no photos were permitted.) Here's the Lying Man, and his precursor (sculptor is Sean Henry).

           The Neuron (with a man-at-work) and its early sketch (sculptor Roxy Paine).

                                                The rabbit people by Sophie Ryder ~

But best of all was this work by Calder, Blue Phrygian Cap, gouache on paper. There's no direct connection with any of his sculptures, but it's a dramatic piece of art.

This place is a favorite of mine, and I had a short, unhappy stint as a volunteer there but that's a whole other post. I prefer being there as a guest, not as a volunteer. Here are my previous posts from the Gardens:

4/25/13 Visit 

5/12/10 Chihuly at the Gardens

3/30/10 Chaos & Stillness