Something "Springy"

Wednesday morning found me wanting to do something "Springy." Joe was out of town and I had the day to myself. Whenever I find myself on my own...the first place I think of is a little greenhouse/gift shop in a nearby town. I got myself ready...hopped in my little red car and was on my way. The drive there is one of my favorites...driving along the Rock River, you never know what you will see. Geese, ducks, opossums, and sometimes even a Bald Eagle. There is the river on one side and lots of woods going up the hills on the other. This is Merlin's...a gift shop and greenhouse all in one. The front entrance was decorated with forsythia branches in pots and decorating the porch. So "springy."

A display of little chicks and ducks...all in yellow. I think that yellow is a favorite Spring color. Especially at Merlin's. I'm getting in the Spring mood. Anxious to get my little chicks and ducks out. I always have an Easter egg tree on the dining room table.

Here's yellow again in these tulips. The store has a wonderful scent, when you come in. Fresh spring smells. Soft music and people there to help...if they are needed.

Everything is displayed so nicely. They use a mixture of antique furniture and reproductions to display the gifts. I loved looking at all the pretties, but really wanted to get to the reason for my being there. Up some steps and a left turn took me into the warm and humid greenhouse full of Spring. It took my breath away. I've always loved stepping into a greenhouse in the winter. It's like another world. The plants are all perfect, because of the pampering they get. It makes me appreciate my plants more and when arriving back home...I find that I take better care of them.

Just look at the colors. Aisle upon aisle of things to look at and smell. Their way of displaying and arranging is sometimes unusual. They put things together that you would never think of. This greenhouse does the flowers for our Altar at Church. They can come up with something different every weekend. Customers can bring in their vase or pot and a beautiful arrangement will be created.

Cyclamens, hydrangeas, lilies, azaleas...they were all there waiting for me. I didn't want to leave, but I had other stops to make. I paid for my purchases and sadly made my way to the door. Outside the sun was shining and there was a new Spring in my step.I turned around for a last glimpse, bouquet in my hand, and knew that I would be back...when garden plants are for sale.

Balisha