I love Friday finds with Kim Klassen ... "it is a place to gather and share ... a place to cherish life's simple pleasures" ... doesn't that sound like such an inviting place?
It was Garden Conservancy Days here in Illinois last weekend ... select private gardens open their doors to the public. Love these days ... it is my chance to see what lies beyond those long driveways and gated properties. This years garden was totally enchanting ... Mettawa Manor ... home to Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis.
It took us over an hour to reach Chicago's North Shore, but as I drove down the mile long driveway, I knew that I was in for a treat!
After we parked, I walked down this lovely path to find the owner herself welcoming every visitor to her 65 acre estate. Parasols were available to use on the sunny day, even a first aide kit for that nasty mosquito bite or cut. She asked us to feel at home here, to sit and enjoy the views on her many benches scattered through out ... oh and not to forget that when we got to the main home to be sure to enjoy beverages and ice cream on her back porch! Such a gracious hostess!
As we passed one of many lakes and turned the corner ... there it was ... Mettawa Manor. It was a picture perfect day with the blue skies and white puffy clouds ... just perfect for a garden walk.
Also on the grounds is the original home built in 1927 ... gorgeous!
All the architectural detail of the home was breathtaking ... everywhere you looked was total perfection.
And all the ponds and lakes ... six of them! There was a pond for turtles, another for frogs and of coarse the lily pond. There was even a aqua theater!
Each of the gardens were absolutely enchanting ... not one detail had been overlooked. I think i counted over twenty gardens ... each one had a theme ... the walled garden, the bronze garden, the golden garden, the silver garden, the cutting garden, the secret garden, the flower drying garden ... and on and on!
The marble garden statues overlooked the garden beds ... stunning!
Even their orchards were teaming with fruit.
As I walked around the grounds for over two hours, I realized that this was the only watering can i saw ... too funny! This also happened to be one of my favorite shots of the day ... just love the dappled light!
Most states have Garden Conservancy Open Days each year ... you can get more information here. I can not wait till next year what other gardens are hidden behind those gates!
If you have a few moments, be sure to click on Kim's adorable button that will lead you to more delightful finds.
until next time ...
nancyjean
