Recently we stopped by Franklin Park and were surprised to see a large area fenced in near the Conservatory that had always been part of the overall park. With our return visit, we found that over the last year they had added the ‘Grand Mallway’, a nicely landscaped area.
As part of the Conservatory’s Topiary display, there were a number of flamingos displayed here.
They were an interesting mix of floral and painted moss.
With our mid September visit, much was still in full bloom.
The flamingos and sculptures backed by the glass Palm House.
The Mallway is a great addition – adding much needed outdoor space to the complex.
Ringing the outside of the area is this covered walkway.
It also provides interesting views of the Palm House.
Nearby is the ‘Brides Garden’
The entrance to the Childrens Garden featured more topiary art.
Including a butterfly. The Conservatory has a great butterfly display (featured on another blog posting today).
Topiary Dolphins.
Mexican Wolves.
Personally I like the permanent Topiary Gardens downtown. These look like Chia pets.
In addition the use of paint detracts from the whole topiary idea.
But the elephants are cool.
Inside the Ikenobo Society of Ohio had a show.
The flowers were unique and beautiful.
Their website describes Ikebono as ‘one of the representative aspects of Japanese traditional culture, and ikebana began with Ikenobo.’
‘In 1462 the name Senkei Ikenobo first appeared in historic records as “master of flower arranging.” Senno Ikenobo, who was active in the late Muromachi period (mid-16th century), established the philosophy of ikebana, completing a compilation of Ikenobo teachings called “Senno Kuden.”’
Simple yet elegant in their presentation.
We had popped into the Conservatory for a brief visit, but with the new gardens, the topiary, the butterflies and the Ikenobo we ended up having a full morning of fantastic sights and smells.
RDZ Photography 