Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

I knew the day was finally going to come when Glen would have to go back to work and I would be on my own. One of his team members suggested the Arboretum and I liked the idea.

There were lots of trails with many different kinds of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. Everything was labeled. Thankfully all the trails were labeled as well and with my trusty map, I didn't have to worry about getting lost in the woods.

Sometimes I felt totally alone on that vast property. Outside enjoying nature. Just me...and nature.

In the areas closer to the visitor center I didn't feel so isolated. I had to view this area from a distance because the workers were paving the walkways.

I found the Sculpture Garden up on Memorial Grove High Point.

Everything was so pleasing to the eye. I love the placement of the trees and bushes that provide such a variety of colors for the eye to behold. I noticed the leaves were starting to change colors.

In the hedge area, there was a maze garden.  

This is water. The whole forefront of the picture is water covered with a bright green film of something occurring in nature.

I saw a waterfall.

Artist Craig Mitchell Smith had his "Nature in Glass" creations on exhibit all throughout the Aboretum. There were 32 of them placed strategically to enhance the natural scenery around them.

He sold some of his glass work in the gift shop. A small glass angel ornament sells for $75. A 12-inch glass flower has a price tag over $300. Just imagine how much each one of his sculptures costs.

The birds are fake--made out of glass.

The hosta glade was my absolute most favorite part of the whole Arboretum. That is where the shade-tolerant, ornamental foliage plants were growing. I sat on a bench for a long time in that area just admiring the beauty. 

I definitely didn't think it needed the fake green-leaf glass sculpture (sitting on the pedestal in the right-hand corner of the photo) to enhance the scenery.

More of the hosta glade with the fall leaves making their appearance.

No fake glass flowers in this scene. I loved the beauty of this hanging flower display in front of the lattice fencing.

Out in front of the visitor center there were more glass creations on display.

Even though I had enjoyed my day immensely all by myself, I was super happy when Glen finished work and we could be together again. Here is my delicious dinner at Good Earth.

After dinner we took a walk on the pathways that wound all around and behind the hotel. We came upon this little lake or pond. Excuse my photographer who once again got his hand in the picture.

We found more water. It was so beautiful as it got later in the day and we could see the moon in the sky.

We walked around what felt like forever trying to find our way back to the hotel. This was a beautiful sight to behold when we finally spotted it and were able to make our way back.

What another beautiful day in Minneapolis. Loved it!!!