Did you know there is a World Tulip Summit? I didn't. By contrast, I have long been aware of the Tulip Time Festival held every May in Pella, Iowa. The tulip, by the by, is one of the sure signs of spring, so you can imagine how excited Midwestern people get about this plant's arrival and festival after a long, brow-beating winter. Accordingly, the Hawkeye State's flower festival is a powerful one, pulling in so many bloomin' souls from near and far that school buses and charter buses become about as hot as something, anything, Steve Jobs might bring to the marketplace. In fact, when I was in junior high, we had to schedule some of our end-of-year field trips with Tulip Time in mind. (This was extremely annoying to 14-year-olds who didn't give a rip about flowers.)
Though I wasn't aware of the international tulip gathering till today (thank you, pop-up ad on article about feng shui), I realize it's not surprising that tulips give rise to a world summit and an annual pilgrimage of Iowa's greener thumbs. Nature captivates and affects us in ways different from and to degrees much greater than the countless engineered creations that dominate our lives. (Landscape vs. lifescape?) While I truly appreciate and enjoy structures, architecture and the elements that adorn walls and occupy the spaces between them, I occasionally grow tired of these things. However, what lies outside of those walls in nature seldom bores and always fascinates. Now, and always really, the earth influences and inspires. Such is true for people and businesses, including our own Ecosaurus, perhaps especially during wildflower season.
Right now, the Arizona desert is in bloom. The shapes and colors of plants and cactuses are so stunning that you almost can't help feeling better, brighter and more beautiful for just gazing upon them. These eye-arresting ensembles worshipping the sky - and the good weather that nourishes them - have lured travelers to our state over the last weeks, and they're pulling residents out of their lifescapes into the landscapes of parks, preserves and neighborhoods like mine. I guess that's the nature of nature.
In closing, here are three ways to enjoy spring in the Valley:
1) Kick off your day at Chloe's Corner at Kierland Commons. The little patio - or a table just inside the open door - is the perfect perch for savoring a $.50 cup of coffee and whatever menu selection you make. Suggestions include the mushroom-spinach omelet; the yogurt, granola and berries mix; and/or a side of cranberry-walnut wheat toast.
2) Zip over to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Morning, afternoon and evening, this place offers plenty of earthy eye candy with a calming and/or romantic effect. Plus, its central location makes it easy to get to and home from. www.dbg.org
3) Pursue patio drinking or dining. There are countless great patios around town, including the one at Taggia at FireSky Resort and Spa. This destination is a client of mine and while I may be biased, my surveyed friends and colleagues agree that the outdoor dining area - which faces lush plantings and overlooks pools and fountains - is a delight day or night. The coastal Italian fare is fantastic, too. Not in the mood for Italian? Head to El Encanto in Cave Creek for amazing Mexican and a memorable sunset. ~A.F.
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