Yesterday we had record-breaking snowfall in SE Michigan. Here in my town, we received almost 10″ of snow.
- This is one day of snow
- My mailbox was covered in snow.
- Snow covered witch hazel
I like the snow. It covers the brown, ugly, landscape and best of all, it makes it brighter in our homes-better for houseplants! They love the extra light that bounces into the windows. This snowfall came very early in Michigan this year. We still have trees covered with leaves that will now fall in the snow and raking will be out of the question. So what do we do on a snowy day? We head for our nearest botanical garden to soak up some warmth, humidity, and beautiful plants. I was at Matthaei Botanical Gardens the day before the record snowfall and it was gorgeous. The pictures make me happy on this frigid day.
- Look at the color on this gorgeous bromeliad
- Look at the berries on this bromeliad
- Bromeliad flowers
- Euphorbia milii flowers
- Love the pink bracts on this crown of thorn flower
- Pink crown of thorns flowers

Stapelia flower blooming
The plants blooming, the smell of soil and the warmth made it perfect.
- Thunbergia mysorensis
- Doll’s shoes or Thunbergia mysorensis
- Thunbergia mysorensis

Gongora species orchid

Quisqualis or Combretum indicum
- Clerodendron ugandense
- Clerodendron minahassae
- Chinese hat plant Holmskioldia sanguinea
- Chinese hat plant Holmskioldia sanguinea

Chamaedorea metallica or metallic palm

Love the giant kaleidoscope filled with plants
So if you are feeling down on a cold, snowy day, find a botanical garden or even a garden center near you. Surrounding yourself with green plants and the smell of earth is bound to make your day better. It always works for me. Do you have a botanical garden near you?
I felt bad that we had 3″in suburban Chicago – 10″ is a bit much for mid Nov!!
Love the photos and the inspiration to find a place inside to enjoy. I have hibiscus blooming at home now and two crinum lily buds coming up so soon I’ll have those to enjoy at home too!
Thanks Cathy for your comments. 10″ was a bit too much, thank you! I always see those crinum bulbs at the Chicago Flower Show, but have never bought one.
We had just a dusting of snow in the southeast suburbs of Chicago. The houseplants are loving the bright light in my south-facing windows.
My biggest issue right now is getting the last of my summer snowflake bulbs tucked in before the ground is unforgiving.
Have you ever visited the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago? One of my go-tos on snow days and I highly recommend it!
Hi Heather, I have so much still to do outside, too. I LOVE the Garfield Conservatory! I have been there many times and every time it is better. Thanks for your comments!