Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Orchids, Rangoli, and Time-Off

In the northern half of the United States, we long for new life to blossom in the winter months of cold winds and cloudy skies. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois, offers us an oasis with stunning blossoms every February and March with its orchid show.

2025’s show featured orchids that bloom in India. India Blooms was lush and vibrant.

The exhibit displayed scenes enhanced with orchids that we might see in India.

Vehicles were also adorned with festive garlands and flowers.

One fascinating display featured an art-form known as rangoli.

Rangoli is traditional Indian floor art created with plant materials. Symbols of harmony, vitality, balance, and beauty are signified in the display.

On the botanic garden’s website, artist Indira Freitas Johnson, who was raised in Mumbai, explains that rangoli is based on the tradition of a woman’s drawing on the threshold of her home. The art welcomes visitors and the new day and brings blessings to the family. Since the art is destroyed by people walking across it, it is replaced each morning.

If you live in the Chicago area, consider putting the orchid show on next year’s calendar. The event is a soothing balm to the winter chill.

*

I am taking time off from posting to begin a couple of projects and enjoy a variety of activities. In the meantime, I will read fellow bloggers’ posts as often as possible and catch up with everyone around the middle of May, if not before.

Until then, may you be blessed with good health and happiness.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Orchids, Rangoli, and Time-Off”

  1. Cindy Georgakas

    How utterly gorgeous! Enoy your time off and renew and relax while you enjoy your projects, Mary! 💓

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Cindy. I know my limits. I used to be able to do everything I wanted, but I don’t work that way anymore. 🙂 Hugs.

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        You are sooo smart!! Lots of love and blessings on your path! 💕

        Reply
  2. luisa zambrotta

    Thanks a lot, Mary, for sharing this lovely post and your fabulous photos

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome, dear Luisa. I appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        🙏💞🙏

        Reply
  3. Nancy Homlitas

    Thanks for the tour through the Chicago Botanic Garden. The orchids are beautiful, and Rangoli is fascinating. Have a good spring, Mary! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The Chicago Botanic Garden is an extraordinary place, Nancy. You’d love it. Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend.

      Reply
  4. Victoria

    Terrific photos, Mary! We missed the orchid show this year…but your pics make me feel as if I’d been there. Lovely, lovely. 🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      There’s always something special at the garden, but I didn’t think this show had the abundance of flowers as in the past.

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        You know what? I heard the same comment from a neighbor. Interesting! And I forgot to say this before… enjoy your break, Mary! Look forward to your posts when you return. xo! 🥰

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Hmmm. I brought a friend with me who hadn’t seen the last ones. She liked it. But it is interesting to know I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. Thank you, Vicki.

          Reply
          1. Victoria

            😉❤️😉

  5. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    The pictures are stunning! Would love to hear about your upcoming projects! Have a wonderful vacation:) Send postcards:)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. I’ll fill you in later, Ms. Kimberly. Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

        🙂

        Reply
  6. Shreeti✨

    Thank you for sharing about orchids that are found in India. Yes,we create rangolis in festivals also. Enjoy your offline time. 🌼🌺

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’ve never heard of rangoli before, Shreeti, but now I’m hooked. Do you design this type of art on your threshold?

      Reply
      1. Shreeti✨

        We include various types of designs in rangoli which includes flower patterns. We also draw peacock , woman, or deites. Rangolis are also used to raise awareness on various issues like climate change or any disease etc.

        Reply
  7. gustavo_horta

    Amor, compaixão, solidariedade
    Abraço fraterno

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      O mesmo para você, Gustavo.

      Reply
  8. Indira

    Ahh…that is India!!!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I can only imagine the beauty of your country, Indira. What a blessing.

      Reply
  9. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    I guess my timing is right Mary, I just bought a new orchid!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      May that orchid make you smile every time you see it, Dorothy.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        🩷

        Reply
  10. Anonymous

    Love it! There is a huge orchid show/competition in Houston every year.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s great. Orchids are special.

      Reply
  11. Neal Saye

    What a lovely post Mary! I really love those yellow orchids. Have a great time off. We will miss you, but we’ll see you soon.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Neal. I appreciate that!

      Reply
  12. Looking for the Light

    Enjoy yourself then come back and tell about the fun you had. Hugs. Be safe.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I will, Melinda. Be well and happy, my friend.

      Reply
  13. Rei Arcangelakis

    All these vibrant colors warm my heart and soothe my soul. Thanks for sharing them! Happy Spring! I know it takes its time in certain parts of the world, but once you’re amongst all the blooming and singing birds, it’s beyond worth it 🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I think we cherish spring and summer so much in the northern part of the country because we don’t have the warm weather and blooms all the time. Thank you for reading and commenting, Rei.

      Reply
      1. Rei Arcangelakis

        Exactly! Absence can make the heart grow fonder. I personally love the ebb and flow of the seasons; I just wish winter was a little less long sometimes…

        Reply
  14. hubertprevy

    Back in the 1990s I visited Chicago twice, but I was completely ignorant of this installation back then.

    Thank you Mary for sharing us this information.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Part of the problem is that the Chicago Botanic Garden isn’t in Chicago. It’s in Glencoe. Maybe another time, Hubert.

      Reply
      1. hubertprevy

        Thank you Mary for correcting my erroneous assumption.

        Reply
  15. Stephanie

    Beautiful event, Mary! Good luck with and enjoy all your projects. ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Stephanie. I’m at a point in my life where I need to concentrate, focus.

      Reply
      1. Stephanie

        It’s good that you honor that. ❤

        Reply
  16. Rosaliene Bacchus

    The orchid show looks like a must-see, Mary. All the best with your projects 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The show helps us get lost in beauty we have yet months to see outside. Thank you, Rosaliene.

      Reply
  17. SiriusSea

    Exquisite and another divinely gorgeous post, Mary ❤ … Enjoy your Spring projects, I know they’ll be gloriously accomplished. I will only pout till you are back (lol), because I will miss you! ❤ ~ 😀

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ohhhhh, you are so sweet, Ms. Siri. Love you.

      Reply
  18. Karen :)

    Your photos are beautiful, and your post gives us a bit of respite today, thank you! May your time away refresh you!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Karen. There are too many activities to concentrate on. I had to put some of the blogging on hold. I appreciate seeing you here on Midwest Mary and will look into your blog. Welcome!

      Reply
  19. joannerambling

    This post was filled with pretty pictures that brightened my morning

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, good, Joan. That makes me happy.

      Reply
  20. Michael Sammut

    Fantastic! Enjoy.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Have you been to India, Michael? I’m sure you would take some incredible photos there.

      Reply
      1. Michael Sammut

        I was there a long time ago in 1997. When we still used slide film. Time to go back. 😁

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          That would be an incredible trip.

          Reply
          1. Michael Sammut

            Definitely would be. The thing that impressed me most when I was there is how approachable the birds were.

  21. P. J. Gudka

    Wow, what a great place to visit. That rangoli is so pretty. I remember always doing rangoli during Diwali when I was younger.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I hadn’t heard about rangoli before the orchid show. What type of designs did you make, Pooja? Did you also use natural elements to construct it?

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        Yeah, I think rangoli isn’t well known outside the Indian community. I usually made traditional designs like flowers. And we have a special thin powder called rangoli powder which is what we use for it.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I think the practice is lovely.

          Reply
  22. restlessjo

    Thanks, Mary! The orchids are lovely xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jo. Happy Wednesday.

      Reply
      1. restlessjo

        And to you! Enjoy your project xx

        Reply
  23. Kym Gordon Moore

    Thank you for sharing such a breath of floral beauty Mary. Botanical gardens have a way of bringing joy and the beauty of Mother Nature in this most breathtaking environment. I so love the variety of orchids and I appreciate the lesson on Rangoli. So divine! Hugs and plenty of floral smooches! 😘💐🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lady Kym. Wouldn’t it be lovely to walk through such a place together? Love you much.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Oh gosh, yes Mary, we all need a field trip through such a palatial place. Cheers..love you more! 😘💖😍

        Reply
  24. johnlmalone

    thanks Mary; what a wonderful post; thanks for sharing this gorgeous display with us 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, John. The flowers make me happy, and I hope they made you happy too.

      Reply
      1. johnlmalone

        yes, I’m much happier that when I wrote that row of elephants nonsense 🙂

        Reply
  25. Silvia

    Beautiful post and accompanying pics, I have learned a few things about orchids. Enjoy your time off and have fun with your projects!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Silvia. You must be an incredible gardener with your orchids.

      Reply
  26. Escribir Y Sanar

    Stunning 🤩 Enjoy it!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, sweet Madelaine.

      Reply
  27. kagould17

    I love visiting botanic gardens and this one looks like a gem Mary. The tuk-tuks make a nice centre piece for the special exhibit. Thanks for sharing Mary. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Botanic gardens are heavenly, Alan. We like a lot of the same escapes.

      Reply
  28. roll on for pain relief

    Great Post 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  29. Michele Lee

    Enjoy your break and your projects, dear Mary. The Rangoli is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing, along with the other beautiful photos. 🌺

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michele. I didn’t know about rangoli. It is intriguing. Lots of love to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        You’re so welcome and lots of love to you, angel friend. 🦋

        Reply
  30. Mid-Life Mama

    Your blooming photos were a warm welcome on a cold day. So beautiful. I wish you a relaxing time off while working on your projects💛.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, MLM. As I get older, I realize I need to focus on one major thing at a time.

      Reply
  31. Kevin

    Enjoy the break, Mary. You’ll be missed! Hopefully we will see you around some 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
  32. PradP

    That looks Wonderful Mary, the Chicago Botanic garden celebrating India. Rangoli is a daily art form practiced daily at our homes. Happy to know you enjoy & share all moments of your C.garden tour.😊🌷🪻⚘️🌻🌹

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I loved the rangoli, Prad, and I’m happy to hear that you know all about it. Love to you.

      Reply
  33. Hazel

    I love the rangoli design, Mary, and I love its meaning. Have a beautiful relaxation. Enjoy and stay healthy!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I agree, Hazel. The rangoli is special. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, dear Hazel.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        It’s always my pleasure, Mary. Stay kind and beautiful.

        Reply
  34. Klausbernd

    Thanks for showing these beautiful flower arrangements, dear Hazel 🙏 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      My pleasure, Klausbernd. I hope you are doing well.

      Reply
      1. Klausbernd

        Thank you. I am on the mend 🙂

        Reply
  35. Garden Bliss

    Good luck with your projects, Mary. I love this snapshot of these botanical gardens. I’ve never heard of rangoli and it is utterly beautiful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Isn’t rangoli special, Flavia. You could make a design at your greenhouse entry.

      Reply
      1. Garden Bliss

        Wow! Now that’s an idea. 😀

        Reply
  36. Amy

    Thank you for the tour of the orchid show! These trucks are fun, and I love the peacock orchid!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Who doesn’t love the colorful peacock? Thank you, Amy.

      Reply
  37. Under the mask..

    Enjoy your time away, Mary — it sounds like fun!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. It will be all fun, even the work projects. All the best to you.

      Reply
  38. Orchids, Rangoli, and Time-Off – Adarsh singh

    […] Orchids, Rangoli, and Time-Off […]

    Reply
  39. Lauren Scott

    A gorgeous post, Mary, and enjoy your time off. 💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lauren. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  40. Resa

    Thank you for the beauty, Mary! Have a great holiday!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Resa. I hope to offer more beauty upon my return to posting.

      Reply
      1. Resa

        🌟🌹

        Reply
  41. Laura

    These are wonderfully beautiful pictures, Mary! Thank you for sharing ❤️ I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a great break from when you take time off the blog! Love to you, always! 🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my dear, sweet, Laura. Please let me know about all the upcoming new delights including a new job that is sure to come soon.

      Reply
  42. Hitasakhi

    Lovely 😊 pictures

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hitasakhi.

      Reply
  43. Maranda

    Beautiful images!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I hope the flowers brought you joy, Maranda.

      Reply
      1. Maranda

        I do love nature

        Reply
  44. Ritish Sharma

    This sounds like such a beautiful experience, Mary ❤️Orchids and rangoli together must have made for a truly vibrant and inspiring display. Wishing you health, happiness, and lots of creativity for your projects.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ritish. The rangoli was a special treat I was happy to learn about.

      Reply
  45. Rosana Gonçalves

    Great topic. Beautiful post!❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosana. Welcome to Midwest Mary.

      Reply
  46. Dawn Pisturino

    Beautiful photos!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn.

      Reply
  47. Edward Ortiz

    Beautiful photos, Mary! Good luck with your projects.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. I’m at the focus-on-one-thing-at-a-time period of my life.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re very welcome, Mary. Well, I think that’s a good thing, and the result is going to be great.

        Reply
  48. emroserichs

    The photos are so vibrant and full of life! 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. Good to see you here.

      Reply
  49. mistermaxxx08

    What a sensational display and very moved. Enjoy getting some time off and always looking forward to your return. Peace and the best always ✨️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend. I appreciate you, Mister Maxxx.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        You know I hold you in high regards

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          🙂

          Reply
  50. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    So lovely, Mary. Thank you for sharing. 💗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy you like the flowers, T’. Blessings to you.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        Indeed. Blessings & Peace! 🙏

        Reply
  51. newvideos31

    🙂🍻🙂

    Reply
  52. Adarsh G

    Wonderful collection around the world

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Adarsh. Happy Friday.

      Reply
  53. johnlmalone

    I enjoyed this post and the beautiful displays, esp the rangoli. You’ve brightened my day; thanks Mary — and thanks for that comment 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, John. I’m happy the post made you happy. Have a great weekend, my friend.

      Reply
  54. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    Gorgeous photos, Mary. A lovely share! The rangoli is so beautiful visually and spiritually. 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The rangoli was new to me, and from what I’m hearing, many of our readers. It is such a sweet, meaningful symbol, isn’t it? Thank you for responding, MM.

      Reply
  55. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    Fabulous! That peacock is so clever… love it! xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, MM. I hope you had a lovely weekend.

      Reply
      1. The Mindful Migraine Blog

        🥰

        Reply
  56. ourlittleredhouseblog

    This is so pretty. I think flowers are the perfect art.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The flowers make me happy, especially when there are so few outside right now. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  57. myallaboutyou

    That is so wonderful. Looks like a fascinating time.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was wonderful to see the flowers. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  58. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post, “Jews  Regathered – Ezekiel Chapter 9;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Thank you very much

        Reply
  59. mjeanpike

    That looks like something I would really enjoy!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is a beautiful event, especially in the winter.

      Reply
  60. noga noga

    Good morning and happiness my dear friend Mary. Good luck my love. 💞🙏🏻🙋🏼‍♀️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nougat. Happy Saturday to you.

      Reply
  61. The Introverted Bookworm

    Oh, how beautiful! I love orchids! Hope you have a relaxing time off working on your projects 💜😊🌻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. All is going well. Have a wonderful weekend.

      Reply
  62. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post, “Jews Regathered – Ezekiel Chapter 10;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Thank you very much

        Reply
  63. Vishakha Tiwari

    Gosh I loved everything about this post!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! Your comment makes me happy.

      Reply
  64. Mother Wintermoon

    Gorgeous post and photographic journey!! Enjoy your time off.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mother Wintermoon. Welcome to Midwest Mary. Good to see you hear.

      Reply
  65. lifewithlane14

    Absolutely beautiful ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Lane.

      Reply
  66. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my posts, “Ezekiel 21 & 22;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        You are a very special follower, and a great writer. Please keep up your amazing articles.

        Reply
  67. da-AL

    A welcome reminder of my visit to Kolkata a couple of years ago. Great post!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That must have been an incredible trip.

      Reply
      1. da-AL

        It was!

        Reply
  68. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Appreciate beautiful photos and descriptions!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        You are welcome!

        Reply
  69. worldphoto12

    BUON WEEK-END

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And now, have a wonderful week.

      Reply
  70. worldphoto12

    🙋‍♀️👍

    Reply

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