A little ways north of the Minneapolis metro area is the modest metropolis of St. Cloud. Clearly an agriculture center, it isn't exactly a tourist mecca, but it does have a gorgeous set of gardens near the Mississippi.
The Clemens gardens sit on a hill above the river (Yes, a sizeable hill. They are few and far between up here...). It's done up English-style, meaning tons of flowers, nice symmetrical displays, and quaint fountains. It is immaculately tended, rivalling in quality, though not in size, the Butchart Gardens in Vancouver Island, BC. More after the link...
Flower baskets spill from stone perches.
Fountains are placed along the spine of the rectangular gardens area and every corner is full of flowers.
Different areas focus on different colors, with this seating area overlooking a red-themed garden.
The centerpiece of the east end of the garden is this fountain, underneath a domed trellis.
And everywhere you looks, a restful scene of soft pink flowers. Clemens Gardens could probably be prescribed by a physician as a relaxation technique. Aaaaaaah.
Okay, now I am definitely getting worried. It is too early for you to be trapped in a Minnesota blizzard. Is everything okay over there? Perhaps the marriage of Janet the Snake and Don the Corn Snake didnt work out and Janet ate everyone in the household in the midst of a depressive rage? Perhaps locusts have invaded?
No postings in a long time now. I bet that new kitty ate your camera, eh?
I like the fountain shot a lot. It's an interesting perspective, looking up at it rather than straight on.
The butterfly shot would've been nice had you been able to get closer and more detail on the butterfly. Make it more the focus of the picture rather than just part of it.