After a meeting at the Elmhurst Park District, I visited the Wilder Park Conservatory nearby. Coming in, after a short walk in the bitter cold, the warmth of the greenhouse was intoxicating. Even in January, the poinsettia were in full dress, dusting the dance floor with the cyclamen and ferns.
It is a small conservatory, but, walking around enjoying the greenery, it felt like a landed estate.
Sometimes, all we really need is just to take some time to come in out of the cold; to take a deep breath, smell the earth and flowers, and feel the warmth cascading down.
I went on my way after about fifteen minutes in this welcoming retreat, bidding a friend goodbye.
I think that is why, on a very cold day, with the sun finally peeking through, I was able to accept the clouds returning my way.
You might say it was an epiphany.
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
Funny, as I was driving past the Conservatory this morning I had an urge to stop by and walk around a bit, but I decided to hurry along instead. I drive past there everyday and don’t even think about it but today was different. Maybe we are just getting to a point with the cold, along with the grey skies we had this morning, that we need to breathe in that earthy, moist air and feel the illusion of warmth and growth! I enjoyed your epiphany Penny!
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I think it was just as you imply, Janet, that kind of day. Had you stopped in, we might have run into each other. Next time you go by, stop in. It doesn’t take long, as you know, is free, and just takes a few minutes to revive oneself of the depths of winter. Thank you, Janet.
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I enjoyed reading about your little dip into the warmth and the flowering of another season. Thank you.
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I’m glad you did, Juliet. A long ways from your bach in NZ, but, a little bit of warmth on a cold day here.
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Your visit to the Conservatory reminds me of my visits to The Winter Gardens in Auckland. Even a fleeting visit feels like a mini holiday, so much delights the soul.
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Oh, your wonderful pictures of The Winter Gardens. It does have the feel of a mini holiday, Marilyn, to spend such few minutes in such wonderful beauty. You put it so well. Thank you.
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Conservatories are wonderful, aren’t they? Olive trees and citrus trees in the dead of Winter…
We have a huge set of conservatories in Cornwall called the Eden Project where different habitats are nurtured. One can go Mediterranean, even when its snowing outside. It does warm the spirit somehow š
Lovely post. thanks…
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They are, indeed, Kate. Havens.
Your Eden Project sounds heavenly. Just the right type of place in the dead of winter – or a midsummer’s retreat.
Thank you.
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It looks lovely. As I wake up to a blanket of new snow, I enjoy the beauty, but would love a short tropical vacation. Thanks for the trip.
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Ooo, wouldn’t that be nice right now? Just a few days in the warmth and sunshine would do the trick. I’m afraid all that’s in store for me right now is this little conservatory. We just had a bit of a dusting of snow here, Janet. You’re welcome.
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Visiting the conservatory has always been my mini escape from the winter cold. I’ll often go on the coldest days, just to feel and enjoy the warmth.
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It’s such a little gem in the park, isn’t it Sandy. Tom used to stop there to warm up on his daily walks in the cold of winter. Hope your Christmas was merry.
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This makes me want to stop by there. I love going to greenhouses in the winter (except that one time when we had to go for pictures and I was sweating and more concerned about the sweat on my face than the scenery). I used to go to the one in Washington Park in Springfield when it was cold out, and it was like a mini vacation. Good stuff!
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You should! They are one of the best spots for a winter retreat. I remember you talking about going into Washington Park’s. You lived pretty close and there it was. Nice thoughts on another cold day. Brrr!
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