Plants in the Basement and Flowers at the Museum

Happy Spring and Happy Easter!

It's been so cold and snowy here lately that we nearly forgot that winter doesn't last forever. 

Although there have been years when it came pretty close, this one hasn't been that bad.

Still it's hard to get excited about spring when the first crocus to bloom gets buried in snow. It will probably open once it thaws out.

Since spring is currently more of a concept than reality, The Crew decided to hang out with the patio plants that spend the winter in the basement. They're no substitute for tulips and magnolias but they will do for the time being. 

If they look hard enough they might even discover a primrose bloom or two.

Spencer was a little too enthusiastic in his examination of this begonia. He was forced to give up the search after a stern warning it was poisonous to cats.

He obviously wasn't too happy to learn it could make him very sick.

Fortunately, we have another way to escape from the perpetual winter. Every other year, at the beginning of March, one of our local art centers brings in florists from the area to show off their design expertise. It's called Rooms of Blooms since it's located in an historic home. It's a nice reminder that spring will be here eventually, or in a couple of months for those of us in the frozen north.

We finally remembered to attend the member's preview this year and I have to admit that the evening viewing wasn't ideal. At least on our way out we caught a rare glimpse of a starry night sky. If you look closely you can just make out the constellation of Orion in the upper middle of the photo.

As always, the flowers were gorgeous and there was definitely a natural appearance to the arrangements. This bouquet, combined with the china gave off a very woodsy vibe.

There were some more casual looks, too.

Now we know what to do with all those broken pots!

The gallery exhibit, Mao Lor: A Journey through Hmoob Paj Ntaub featured the intricate embroidery and hand-sewing of textile artist, Mao Lor. Her beautiful work includes both the traditional patterns of her culture and her innovative adaptations of those techniques for contemporary storytelling.  

The one issue I've always had with this event is having to peer around floral arrangements to see what's hanging on the gallery walls. It was especially an issue with the complexity of this embroidered artwork. As in the past, it almost seemed like the arrangements weren't just overwhelming the art, they were competing with it. His Madness and I always go back when the flowers are gone to get an unobstructed view.

 

Fortunately, the rest of the flowers looked absolutely stunning.

There are always a few paintings that have an uninterrupted view.

By far the most unique display was among the fantasy dining tables set up in the Great Hall. How would you like to be seated between this pair of giant fairy wings? Is there enough elbow room?

Wonder if the basement plants could ever look so otherworldly? 

Probably not. Maybe The Crew can give it a try next year, for now we're just happy they're still alive.

Happy Spring everyone and Happy Easter to all who celebrate.

Thanks for stopping by, see you soon!