Whether it is a little bunch of charming bell-like white lilies of the valley or a spectacular carpet of colourful tulips, there is no indulgence quite as delicate, accessible and luxurious as flowers. Every bloom is a miniature work of art. Seeing beauty in a flower awakens the human spirit and delights even relatively insensitive individuals. Flowers spell excitement, joy and we need them, especially those of us, who's current world is still brown with just a little green and some violet here and there from the tiny crocuses and violets. But thanks to botanical gardens and conservatories we can get this much-needed inspiration-saving dose of colours and step into Spring before the new season fully unfolds. 
Toronto's Allan Gardens Conservatory, one of the oldest parks in the city, is an indoor botanical garden first opened all the way back in 1858. It is named after former Toronto mayor George William Allan who donated a five-acre parcel of land to the Toronto Horticultural Society. Later on, the City of Toronto bought the surrounding land from Mr. Allan, which it then re-leased to the Horticultural Society on the condition that the garden be publicly accessible and free of charge. Today six greenhouses of the conservatory, operated by Toronto Parks, feature an extensive permanent collection of tropical plants from around the world as well as colourful seasonal plants and flower shows for Spring, Easter, Summer, Fall and Christmas.
Last week my family and I made a trip to the greenhouse to see the Easter show. Some of  Nature's most spectacular spring creations were demonstrating their perfection, from the brightest orange tulips, dark blue pansies and creamy white narcissus, through Easter lilies and pink hyacinths, to hardy cyclamens and my favourite breathtaking balls of light blue, pink, white, violet (you name it) hydrangeas. With benches spread throughout, the garden gave us a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee while diving into the texture of these amazing flowers, presenting Spring in all its glory; precious moments of serenity and contemplation away from the hustle and bustle of the cold city.
Once we left the conservatory, Spring didn't seem that far away anymore...


   

Hope you have a happy month of May! 



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