Rockford, Illinois
Rockford boasts a good number of horticultural treasures. First stop, the Nicholas Conservatory! Featuring 11,000 square feet of tropical plants, it’s a delightful getaway. $8 for non-residents. Oh, how I wish we had someplace like this in our town so we could volunteer in winter months and soak in the humidity and scent of soil. It’s right next to rose gardens and a public art trail– and just down the road from the incredible Anderson Japanese Gardens!
Overview! 
“River Within” by Linda Beaumont depicting the rivers of Illinois and featuring loads of beads, glitters, chips, shells…. zoom in! 
Close-up of another section of the floor. 
Indian Clock Vine, Thunbergia mysorensis. Incredible. 
Jumping into the shot for scale. 
This determined plant is climbing the spiral stairs and water tank. 
Grey day but outside the conservatory, there are ponds, a rose garden, art trail and more. 
Outside the conservatory. Rhus copallina latifolia ‘Morton’ AKA Prairie Flame Shining Sumac 
Red lobster claw to wrap things up!