Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Seasonal Transitions

A recent walk through Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois had me in awe. The sun was shining on this warm, fall day while the remains of summer continued to play through the gardens.

Roses bloomed, mums were bright and bold, dahlias the size of dinner plates stood tall, butterflies on their way south fluttered through the flowers, birds chattered, deciduous trees were dropping leaves, pumpkin and mum trees displayed their gifts, and Christmas lights wrapped around trellises.

Let’s stroll together through these delightful gardens. I’m sure they will make you smile as much as they made me.

Japanese Anemone

Roses

Asters

Dahlias

Purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

Painted Lady butterfly on Lantana

Yellow rumped warbler

Hermit Thrush

Chrysanthemums

Celosia

Mum tree

Pumpkin Tree

Nap Time

©Mary K. Doyle, 2026

If you enjoyed this walk, you’ll enjoy my book, Tranquility Transformation Transcendence. The Enchanting Promises of Public Gardens. The book features 72 poems and 72 photos inspired by public gardens including Cantigny Park.

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Responses to “Seasonal Transitions”

  1. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    Looks like a relaxing day Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was wonderful, Ernie. The park is one of my favorite places to walk. There is so much beauty there. Have the best day.

      Reply
      1. Ernie ‘Dawg’

        You too Mary.

        Reply
  2. vermavkv

    What a delightful autumn stroll,🍁 Your beautiful description makes the gardens come alive with colours, fragrances, and the cheerful presence of butterflies and birds. Nature has a wonderful way of refreshing our minds and filling our hearts with gratitude. Thank you for taking us along on this lovely journey through Cantigny Park. Keep blooming with happiness! 😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Such a sweet comment, Vijay. Thank you, my friend.

      Reply
  3. kagould17

    A gorgeous place to sample autumn spendour Mary. A great time of the year. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s an easy place to walk, Allan. Not much of an opportunity to exercise because I keep stopping to admire the flowers, but it makes me happy to be there.

      Reply
  4. Jeannette Elizabeth Geist-Marcelli

    Such beautiful pictures! I love the fall colors! Thanks for sharing this with us, Mary!🩷😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jeannette Elizabeth. We are having the most beautiful days here right now.

      Reply
  5. Lenny Appadoo

    Such stunning Autumn colours, Mary. I wish Autumn were as distinct here.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is gorgeous here right now, Lenny, and a wonderful escape from the everyday world nonsense.

      Reply
  6. Lauren Scott, Author

    What a gorgeous stroll, Mary! I love all flowers red, yellow, and orange these days. And the mum and pumpkin trees are amazing. Thanks for sharing! 🧡

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m never disapointed in this park, Lauren. I feel like I’m on vacation there. Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  7. Stephanie

    An infusion of beauty and color! Thank you, Mary. These gardens took so much care and detailed attention. Gorgeous!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The gardens at Cantigny are amazing. I hope we don’t have a freeze for quite a while. Thank you, Stephanie.

      Reply
  8. atimetoshare.me

    All the beautiful colors in flowers still blooming. Thanks for sharing ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes! So gorgeous. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
  9. Priscilla

    So beautiful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Priscilla.

      Reply
  10. Nancy Homlitas

    Lovely images, Mary. I particularly love the mum tree and the pumpkin tree. 🎃💐😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The trees are fun, aren’t they, Nancy? Thank you for always visiting, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        You’re welcome, Mary. 😁

        Reply
  11. Ronit

    Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit.

      Reply
  12. destiny

    bright and beautiful…the perfect kind of cheerful, Mary … 🤍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So true, Destiny. It all makes me happy, and I do like to share the joy.

      Reply
  13. Rosaliene Bacchus

    How delightful to join you on your walk through the Cantigny Park! The vibrant flowers lifted my spirits 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, so good to hear, Rosaliene. May we never get too distracted to not appreciate the gifts of nature. Love to you!

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        Love to you, too, Mary! 🙂 ❤

        Reply
  14. mjeanpike

    So many lovely gifts of God 🙂 I would have liked to take that walk with you, Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, Jean, I’d love to walk with you? Do you live near Wheaton, IL?

      Reply
      1. mjeanpike

        No, I’m a little closer to Columbus, OH, lol. I’ve never even been to Illinois!

        Reply
  15. joannerambling

    I liked all the photos

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joanne.

      Reply
  16. P. J. Gudka

    Oh wow, these are all so lovely.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. It’s beautiful there.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        You’re most welcome and yes it really does seem beautiful there.

        Reply
  17. philsblog01

    Very inspiring!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Phil. I hope all is well.

      Reply
  18. gc1963

    Simply wow! A vibrant, colourful and delightful tour. Thank you very much Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you so much, Geeta! I’m happy you liked these photos.

      Reply
  19. Hazel

    Very healing place, Mary. Gorgeous and vibrant.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are right, Hazel. This park is definitely healing. Have the best day, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        A best day your way too, Mary . Thanks.

        Reply
  20. Ortensia

    oh my, what a beautiful place, and that mom.tree🤩🤩🤩

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello Ortensia, thank you for checking out this post and taking the time to comment. I appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  21. CJ Antichow

    Oh my gosh! Thanks for sharing! Soooo beautiful 😻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, CJ. I’m happy you enjoyed the flowers with me.

      Reply
  22. Ol’ Big Jim

    Oh my lord, I loved this, Mary! That mum tree nearly took my breath away. I’ve always had a weakness for a mum of any color or description.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you, Jim. I’m happy the photos made you happy!

      Reply
  23. Indira

    What a delightful park! It might have been an exhilarating walk!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Exhilarating is the perfect description of the joy one feels in this park, Indira. Love to you.

      Reply
  24. Saint Andrews Forest Farm

    Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your experience. 🤩

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind comment!

      Reply
  25. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

    Thank you for sharing those beautiful photos, Mary. I especially love the mum tree and the pumpkin tree. What creativity to turn something beautiful into something even more beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is so true, Michelle. To imagine a pumpkin or mum tree is special. I appreciate your presence here.

      Reply
  26. mgrecu1866

    Such a beautiful collection of seasonal moments. I love the way the flowers, birds and autumn colors seem to tell the story of the season without needing many words. The “Pumpkin Tree” especially made me smile — such a wonderfully playful touch among all that natural beauty.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so very perceptive! Thank you for your wonderful comment.

      Reply
  27. Wandering Dawgs

    Beautiful images of this beautiful garden. Great capture of the Painted Lady butterfly.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the photos.

      Reply
  28. Edward Ortiz

    Beautiful photos, Mary! We love Cantigny Park, so thank you for recommending it.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      If you are ever there, Edward, I’d love to meet up with you and your family. Someday we Midwesterners need to get together.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        That’s a great idea. I’ll let you know next time we visit.

        Reply
  29. Nusrat Khan

    Loved walking with you through this beautiful garden.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you and welcomwe to Midwest Mary.

      Reply
  30. Awakening Wonders

    What a stunning walk! I love how you captured the transition of the seasons with both the pumpkins and the late-blooming flowers.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was fun being there, Mary. You would have loved it. Happy weekend.

      Reply
  31. Victoria

    Wow…Mary! Your photos are so lovely! I felt as if I was sauntering along with you! Thanks for the afternoon respite. I enjoyed it very much! ❤️💝❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wish you were there with me, Vicki. Maybe, someday. Have the best weekend.

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        I think we’ll need to make that happen! Sending big hugs! ❤️😉❤️

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Yes!

          Reply
          1. Victoria

            !!!❤️❤️❤️!!!

  32. Garden Bliss

    Dahlias, pumpkins and all that gorgeous colour – love it Mary! And that pumpkin tree is fantastic!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. I’m happy you enjoyed the garden.

      Reply
  33. Willie Torres Jr.

    WoW … Beautiful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend!

      Reply
  34. ptrikha15

    What a wonderful collection and such an amazing place !

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. It’s great to see you here.

      Reply
  35. Dawn Pisturino

    So beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn.

      Reply
  36. johnlmalone

    O Mary, this is magnificent : what fun God must have had in His garden shed of creation 🙂 and thhose celosia and that pumpkin tree !!! the pick of te day for me; thanks fo sharing 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, John. I had to share. The park was at its best.

      Reply
  37. anna

    Oh those dahlias are stunning! What a beautiful garden! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Anna, there were so many blooms, and they were massive. I’m happy you enjoyed the dahlias.

      Reply
  38. LaDonna Remy

    Beautiful, Mary. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, LaDonna.

      Reply
      1. LaDonna Remy

        🩷🩷

        Reply
  39. Praveen Yadav

    So beautiful my friend

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Praveen.

      Reply
  40. K. Ravindra

    What a delightful collection, set in such a marvelous place

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ravindra. It was so beautiful, I had to share.

      Reply
  41. ioanzamfirC

    Mie îmi place mult textul tău! Are lumină, culoare, prospețime și o bucurie molipsitoare. Se simte că ai privit natura cu ochii unui om care știe să se bucure de lucrurile frumoase și să le împărtășească și altora. Și mai are ceva frumos: contrastul dintre grădinile încă pline de viață și instalațiile de Crăciun deja pregătite. E un mic detaliu care face textul autentic și îl ancorează într-un anotimp surprinzător. Dacă ar fi să-ți spun un singur lucru: textul transmite o stare de bine. Iar asta nu e puțin lucru. Ai reușit să transformi o simplă plimbare într-o invitație la bucurie Felicitari!

    Reply
  42. ioanzamfirC

    Mie îmi place mult textul tău! Are lumină, culoare, prospețime și o bucurie molipsitoare. Se simte că ai privit natura cu ochii unui om care știe să se bucure de lucrurile frumoase și să le împărtășească și altora.
    Și mai are ceva frumos: contrastul dintre grădinile încă pline de viață și instalațiile de Crăciun deja pregătite. E un mic detaliu care face textul autentic și îl ancorează într-un anotimp surprinzător. Dacă ar fi să-ți spun un singur lucru: textul transmite o stare de bine. Iar asta nu e puțin lucru. Ai reușit să transformi o simplă plimbare într-o invitație la bucurie. Felicitari!

    I really like your text! It has light, color, freshness, and an infectious joy. You can tell that you’ve observed nature through the eyes of someone who knows how to appreciate beautiful things—and how to share that appreciation with others.
    There’s something else lovely about it, too: the contrast between gardens that are still full of life and Christmas decorations that are already being set up. It’s a small detail that makes the piece feel authentic and anchors it in a surprising season. If I had to point out just one thing: your text conveys a sense of well-being—and that’s no small feat. You’ve managed to turn a simple walk into an invitation to joy. Congratulations!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate your presence here and kindness.

      Reply
      1. ioanzamfirC

        WITH PLEASURE!

        Reply
  43. Praveen Yadav

    Welcome Mary
    . I hope you have a great day

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You too, dear Praveen.

      Reply
  44. Lori Pohlman

    Wow, Mary! What a gorgeous garden!!! Love this!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You would enjoy visiting there, Lori. A bit of a ride for you 🙂

      Reply
  45. Max Muhammad

    You always take us on incredible journeys. Freshness on display. Aura and richness. Divine as your spirit and soul.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for always being so kind.

      Reply
      1. Max Muhammad

        You know how you bring warmth always

        Reply

Talk to me. I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.