October: Autumn in the Lurie Garden

I spent today running errands and doing some botany work at the Field Museum. Since it was such a gorgeous day, I dawdled a bit in between and visited the Lurie Garden. I think it's the first time I've seen it in autumn. It's pretty amazing how the garden changes throughout the year; just a few months ago it was the most vivid river of purple salvia imaginable, and now it's all soft gold and green.

The iconic Lurie shot; I wonder how many times have I taken this picture?


Since construction of the Art Institute's Modern Wing, this has become the other "iconic shot." That's Amsonia hubrechtii glowing like fire in the middle.


Looking west towards the Michigan Avenue streetwall. I love how each maple is turning red from south to north.


Chicago blues: asters and something (delphiniums?) in the background, echinops going to seed in the foreground.


Northern sea oats, Chasmanthium latifolium


Japanese anemones glowing amongst the fading foliage


To envision a city on a prairie, you just need the proper perspective.