Wilhelma

I did have some fun down south. There are places almost everywhere I go that ease my mind instantly. They all have to do with trees. You will find some kind of forest-botanical-garden-arboretum anywhere you go. So this might be the most beautiful place in Stuttgart: the Wilhelma. It´s actually a botanical and zoological garden at once. Of course some King needed a summer-pleasure-house in the late 19th century and it started as a fancy collection of exotic plants, pretty hip at that time to do so (till today dendrologists haven`t changed a bit, they don´t have gardens, they have (art)collections ... knowing every plant by name and birthdate). 

I was amazed by their display of magnolias. It may not be the broadest variety but the setting was soooo beautiful. A "Swabian (Schwäbische) Alhambra" !! It is set up as typical oriental garden with a wall around, cross paths and lilly pond in the middle. Despite the fact that magnolias are not a common interior of oriental gardens it was magnificently arranged. There are some ancient magnolia trees there. Unfortunately I was too early for their bloom. This one is called Magnolia x soulangiana 'Amabilis' ...

But the Camelias are blooming now. If there is a botanical garden that shows them near you: go now! The one in Berlin has as superior collection. They are in the tea-family and have extraordinary perfectly ordered beautiful flowers. I was fascinated by this one since it has curly edges, pretty wild for camelias. It is called: Camelia japonica 'Nioi-Fubuki'

Well, but so much for boring plants they don't do much according to your needs of fast action. There were also cute animals out there and since it is becoming spring soon you could feel something going on here, let me tell ya. These two were just about to do it, but then she seemed a little disturbed (maybe my curious camera). She just snapped at him and he rolled off of her. It was really fun to see how difficult it must be for them according to their physiology. :)

Well and don´t ask me about those two. Love doesn´t know rules.

It will be another great sunny weekend. But I have to write papers and work. :( Well, this pace has an end in March. I only need to survive a couple more weeks. And at least I get to run tomorrow morning by the sea. What luxury...

Take care!