Bloomin' Workout

While staying near Brainerd, a warm spring day was drawing us outdoors. It said get moving, come alive again after the long winter, as nature itself was coming back to life. We headed for the garden trails at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter, MN.

Unfortunately, our timing was not the best. We found several blooms and interesting plants to admire, but we were sort of between garden seasons. Too late for the early spring show, and too early for the summer and prairie blooms.

We wandered through the prairie loop, however most of this area was still waking up from winter, greening up slightly, but not much of a show. We saw several blooms of Phlox, Leafy Spurge, and Hoary Alyssum. Even the pine branches had a captivating mix of new growth and last season's cones. As the trail opens up before you, the exercise stations they have placed along the route are most intriguing. Little bouts of cardio and stretching to go with our walk... what a great idea!

The timing was ideal for the Butterfly Garden as the blooms were amply bright and colorful. The yellows, purples and reds made a fine display. The flowers of Ninebark, Bigroot Geranium, False Indigo, Siberian Iris, Fleece Flower, Sweet William, and Peony gave us their best.

Beyond the main building is a woodland area. Weaving trails lead you through fern covered paths. They meander down the hills to a pond area. An arching bridge carries you over the narrow path between two ponds, Once on the other side, a couple patches of Showy Lady’s Slippers were found. A week or two before their peak, but still a great find.

Take some time to enjoy the sights and smells of a garden near you.

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