Midwest Mary

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.

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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