Monday, March 10, 2014

Central Gardens in Clear Lake, Iowa

These are photos I took a few years ago.  These gardens were begun several years ago, with the expert advice from the people of Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.  I'm not sure this garden fairy resides there any longer, but it was created to celebrate RAGBRAI's ride through town at that time.


Last year, RAGBRAI cruised through our town!  We were encouraged to create items for display around our town square that had something to do with bicycles... Perhaps using bicycle parts.  Say no more, I thought at the time!  I took inspiration from the above garden fairy to create my Garden Praying Mantis!  lol. I will post a photo of my sculpture at the end of this post.

This is a view of the walkway (below) that leads around Central Gardens.



Below is a little recirculating stream.


I do enjoy a pond with Lily pads!


This is a beautiful spot that has become a popular spot for weddings.

Okay.  Here's "my" Garden Praying Mantis.  She stood outdoors downtown all summer last year.  She was the result of my participation in the annual fund-raiser for our local Art Association.  She was purchased by a local citizen and I know she's enjoying her new home!  :-)




5 comments:

GRACE PETERSON said...

What a cute sculpture. I love it. Congrats. I hope it warms up soon.

troutbirder said...

How neat and Clear Lake isn't all that far from here. I don't know how I've missed it. Now it on my to go there list....:)

Patrick's Garden said...

Love the praying mantis. Would sell a lot if it was in the Gardener's Eden catalog. Think you should create yourself another.

Shady Gardener said...

Thank you, Grace! Wouldn't we love to live nearer each other?? :-)

Shady Gardener said...

Troutbirder, You and Mrs. T would enjoy a tour of these gardens. I worried when they were first planted due to the many "Shade" plants that were placed in sunny areas. Guess they knew (better than I) that eventually the shade would be there... and it is! And all is well. Condos are being built on the lot on the north side (outside the fence) of the gardens right now. The occupants will have a pleasant view!!