Today, on this cold, grey March morning I went to my friend Susan’s house to pick her up for a visit to the Dallas Arboretum. To me, Susan’s garden is one of the happiest places on earth. Better than Disney Land, and more affordable, her certified wildlife habitat is an award-winning Water Wise wonderland filled with sweet surprises all year round. Susan’s garden is the main attraction of her neighborhood. Her Mexican Plum fills the air with the fragrance of grape Kool Aid.
I’ve posted many photos of Susan’s garden. Each time I visit there is something new to see.
I’ve wanted to capture this walkway leading to the giant frog fountains at the arboretum when the crepe myrtles are in bloom, but in the summer there are almost always people in the way. Waiting for people to move out of a shot is not my strength, but today I got lucky. Maybe this summer I’ll get lucky again.
Last fall I captured it when it was lined with pumpkins.
No grey area here! Even before we got inside, bursts of color greeted us.
So did this guy.
These photos speak for themselves.
If you’ve viewed the Book Trailer for Summoning The Strength, you’ve seen shots of Dallas Blooms from previous years. It truly is a sight to see. Each year, families from around the world come together to enjoy the beauty of this spectacular garden. Today was no different. We saw school children field trippin’ and this too cute family spending quality time together. It was another really good day! Thanks Susan.
Honie Briggs 
You are my favorite. And what horse hockey! I took 112 photos with a point and shoot and none of them compare to yours. Awesome.
Nobody gives a compliment quite like you Susan. Thanks. I enjoyed the cold, grey day all because of you!
I’m really pining for spring this year, and these pictures are gorgeous. It reminds me of what is just around the corner. Your colors are so vibrant and sharp in your photos. Do you do all of your own camera settings?
The Nikon D90 has so many built in features. I mostly use auto, but from time to time I use the macro setting. I am not a professional photographer and my skill is the absolute minimum. Only slightly more than point and shoot. I hope spring finds its way to you soon.
For point and shoot, your pictures are really stunning.
Thanks Maddie, it’s only because I know the best places to stand.
Awesome photos SB! I can’t wait for Denver to bloom, SOOOO over winter. Kisses from Colton.
That would be a good time for my visit. Oh, sweet Colton! ~~xoxo~~
prettier than my morning walk – thank you – enjoyed this and did not get my shoes dirty (it is muddy here)
Yeah, I try to keep the mud to a minimum around here. Happy you enjoyed the stroll.
I think I could sit there for hours, never move. Beautiful photos. Thank you.
Me too Val. Although yesterday it was cold and windy, so, sitting still with hot chocolate was in order.
Honie,
This was a much needed walk for me. Thank you.
Le Clown
Le Clown,
Me too. Happy to share the walk with you.
Honie
What beautiful photos. What a magical place! What colors! Thanks for sharing!
M~ What a nice thing to say! Your welcome.
Gorgeous! Puts a smile on your face, for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Free smiles for all! Happy springtime Fransi. 😀
Thx
That’s a lot of colour! Sounds like its your happy place.
It’s a treacherous trek from my house, but oh so worth braving the traffic to get there.
Hi Honie. What a glorious garden. And your photos do it justice. Yes, it certainly is a very happy place – I would be in my element, and wouldn’t want to leave. Maybe I could hide in the trees.
Hi Helen. The arboretum is glorious. Public gardens are the gift that keeps on giving. There is an historic home on the property. I haven’t toured it, but I like to imagine what it would be like to live there and have acres of cultivated gardens right in my backyard!
Gorgeous shots – I love that arbor of crepe myrtles – I love myrtles, flowers when the heat has killed off everything else. I am anxious to see the red buds and dogwoods wake up.
We have a lot of people around here who commit crepe murder. It’s a shame that they chop off the tops and leave those knotty, gnarly stubs. Somehow they manage to rebloom, even when they become plagued with disease. Crepes are real performers and you’re right, they tolerate the heat like nothing else. Dogwoods aren’t around here, but they have always been my springtime fave! The next county over is a red bud haven.
Breathtaking!
Oh, JM~~do you need CPR? 😀
Honie, you are so talented. That one with the green lawn and line of purple flowers is striking.
Dallas does have beautiful spots – We used to like the outdoor sculpture garden at the art museum, too.
Nasher? I like that garden too. Minimalist – very peaceful. Your kind compliment is much appreciated. I never know for certain if any of the shots are good enough for my gallery until I see them on screen at home.
Wow, these pictures are beautiful! And that b/w photo of you is great too. New addition? Is this a professional shot — it’s great. What a beautiful post. Happy weekend.
Thanks Brigitte. The b/w is from the day we went to have family photos made. My loyal follower took it on our front steps just after I busted my ass on the icy driveway. HA!
Spring has sprung! Happy weekend to you too lady!
Such gorgeous pics! And such great photography! Can I take you on our next trip so I have someone who can take nice photos? Everyone in my family sucks at it.
Sure Carrie. May I ask where you’re planning on taking your next trip? If it’s a spring break trip to drop off stuff at the Goodwill, I think I’m busy. HA! 🙂
(Hope you have a productive week.)
Yes, this spring break ‘trip’ may not be the best one for photographs. But it will feel SO good to debulk the house!
Gorgeous. You could sell a lot o calenders or cards with these photos. That purple Iris in front of the pink and green with that light is just amazing. It looks a bit surreal.
That iris is in Susan’s garden. The whole place is surreal. A suburban oasis! Happy springtime to you Leah!
Thanks. Happy Springtime to you. We have lots of fragrant Jasmine blooming right now which smells like heaven to me.
What a stunning time of year, beautiful shots, those tulips are amazing!
Everything is springing back to life. I’m happy you like the shots.