ypsi~dixit

That's a gorgeous shot!

I went a couple of weeks ago but the daffs weren't out yet. And it looks like it'll still be a week or two 'til they're at their best?

Blackcustard: Isn't that first one stunning? I actually said "Wow" out loud.

Yes, I'd guess a small week or so till the whole line is ablaze. It lasts a long time, though--Skarsgard picked a long-blooming variety. Plus some are in shadier spots and bloom later; the ones in the first shot are in a sunny spot. So we'll be able to enjoy it for a while.

Skarsgard is clearly a good photographer in addition to her work as a conceptual artist.

Great photo!

yep, Skargard's a good photographer.

Yes, the first shot is rather stunning.

I am not so sure how I feel about flowers arranged in such a deliberate way though. I suppose I should go see them in person before judging. Where in the Arb are they?

I thought it sounded like the stupidest idea on earth, but the photos are beautiful.

Lynne: They are in that big sunny bowl in the heart of the Arb (where people go, or, used to go, traying). You can't miss 'em. If you enter off Geddes and go down the hill, there they are.

Anna: There was much hype swirling around this installation a year ago, which made me skeptical to say the least. All in all I think it's one more park bench, one more plaque, one more intrusive manmade element in what used to be (in my day) a wilder area. But that's just my opinion. YMMV.

I was in AA briefly last June. I spent many, many hours in the arb as an undergrad, and then later, with my dog, as a graduate student. I couldn't believe how much it had changed in just a few short years. It's like a plant museum now. And the bandshell, ugh. Bring back the rotting pile of railroad ties -- I'll never forget how my pup used to make a beeline for those in a search little creatures. In fact, some of her ashes were scattered in that area after she died. I guess they're fertilizing daffodils, which isn't the worst fate, I suppose.

I remember those railroad ties, right by the "gate" to the prairie. Silly, useless bandshell. It's so intrusive. It reduces the woods into a setting for the bandshell instead of having the woods exist in their own right.

The prarie, I hope, is still spectacular. My dog always loved disappearing into it (more creatures). I only knew she was tracking me by the rustling. I don't think I'll ever be able to go to the arb without thinking of that, actually.

Haven't been to the Arb yet this year and checked the beautiful prairie. I especially like it in fall.