If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. ~Loren Eiseley, American anthropologist
No garden is complete without water.
Plants thrive on it; people, I’m convinced, thrive near it.
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a variety of places to enjoy water, whether in fountains, lakes, or falls. Take a look and see:
Can’t you hear the gurgling water?
This would make a nice place to write … or just think.
These plants seem to like bubbling fountains.
How about this l-o-n-g fountain with water timed so it goes high and low?
These lily pads were about the size of a dinner plate!!
Bonsai trees, geese, greenery, and water
You can feel your heart rate slowing, just looking at this blooming lily pad.
Another waterfall
Dancing fountain
My new writing retreat! No, really, it’s a replica of a Japanese emperor’s lakeside hideaway … but I want it!!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Wow. Terrific capture of the beauty of the water features. What is striking is the deep green that the Midwest rains produce. Well done, Debbie.
Glad you enjoyed these, John — thanks for coming along for the show! You know, I didn’t see any sprinklers, but surely they must have some form of irrigation during especially dry seasons. Probably more than an employee with a hose, don’t you think?!!
Illinois gets a lot of rain in the summer. But I think you are right. They should have some somewhere.
GORGEOUS array of photographs, Debbie! You capture some REALLY beautiful images! I adore the sound of water, whether it be from the ocean, fountains, or waterfalls. In fact, I used to have two small water fountains in my apartment. The sound of them made me feel so relaxed and peaceful.
I especially love your photographs of the Bonsai trees and the lily pads because they remind me of my time spent living in Japan.
Thanks so much for sharing more of Chicago’s Botanic Garden, it’s so beautiful!
Have a super Sunday, my friend!
Ron, I love the sound of water, too! You’re right — it’s calming and seems to ease me into my center. And I, too, had a small water fountain, but I found it splashed too much and made extra work for me, ha! One day, I want one of those wall fountains — and a person who will come in and tend to it!!
I’d forgotten you spent time in Japan. The botanic garden had an immense Japanese section, complete with one of those sand and rock serenity gardens. Domer and I found that area especially serene.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! xx
The water elements. My parents always had a pond waterfall in our backyard. The one they have now plays host to an array of New Mexico birds. Funny enough the Doberman girls would not dream of drinking out of it. It’s work; but worth it. The closest I can get is a plastic kiddie pool and an open pump that pushes the water up into a fountain—-I call it my redneck fountain and the pups love it.
The Botanical gardens showcases so many beautiful fountains and you showed them off beautifully.
I’d love having a water structure outside, but I imagine you’re right in saying it’s lots of work. Illinois’ dry summers and frigid winters wouldn’t exactly be an ideal climate for that sort of thing. Your redneck fountain sounds like a worthy compromise, especially since the pups enjoy it!
These are amazing, Debbie! Beautifully captured and a visual treat.
Thanks so much for saying that, DD! Glad to have you along for our visit — it truly was something to behold … a feast for one’s senses!
Great pictures, Debbie! Especially that one of the lily – it looks almost 3D. Did you do something special to get it to turn out like that? I do love water – which is just as well since a little river runs past the front of my house and a canal runs just alongside… fortunately I also love duck quacks!
I’d love a house with a small river nearby — and ducks quacking! Of course, Dallas would be beside himself, trying to herd the poor things into a corner! As for the lily picture, nope, no special settings. I just snapped it and hoped for the best. Glad it turned out okay! And you can’t really tell, but there were all kinds of fish underneath in that murky water.
The variety of fountains and water forms is astonishing. It’s all so beautiful — and I’ll arm wrestle you for that writing retreat! Actually, I’d let you have it, regardless. I enjoy the Japanese style, but it clearly suits you better.
I just learned last year that the huge lily pads aren’t actually water lilies. They’re American lotus. Their pods are used a lot in flower arranging — you’ll recognize them if you look them up: American lotus pods would get you there. They’re the ones with holes, that look like the need marbles in them!
I’m sure they have a sprinkler system throughout that place — actually, it’s probably drip irrigation in many places. They would want to keep moisture levels constant, so no matter when visitors come, they have something wonderful to see. Thanks for sharing!
I can totally see myself writing from a retreat that solitary, one near water. Of course, I think I’d prefer a more active water source … perhaps a bubbling brook or light waves (nothing like Hurricane Matthew!). Anyway, thanks for the info on the lotus, and yes, I’ll do some research. Most of the things we saw had identification signs, but I didn’t see any here. Thus, my assumption! And I’ll bet you’re spot on about the irrigation, too. With Illinois’ changing weather, it would be next to impossible to feature some of these species without a controlled environment.
How lovely. And you’re right – my heart rate slowed just looking at that blooming lily pad. I’d love a water feature in my yard for the bubbling soothing sound.
Me, too, Barb. I’ve tried small ones at my desk, but water and computers don’t mix!
Gorgeous and so inviting. I could spend hours there. Will have to make my daughter take me there next time I visit!
You must!! It’s such a lovely place, and you can get so many beautiful photos to remind you of your visit.