Glass and Plants. Chihuly.

Saturday morning I decided it was too beautiful a day to stay inside. The girls and I hadn't been to the Desert Botanical Garden in a while, and there was an art installation that I really wanted to see. Dale Chihuly is an artist who works with glass.

Rhayn loves the DBG, and one day wanted to go there, so she drew the logo on a paper and asked Daddy if we could go. It was cute. We have a membership, which we use about once a month normally. Its a nice morning out, doesn't cost anything (at the time) and we get to see so many beautiful things. It is one of the best places in Phoenix to watch birds. You will see animals scurrying across the path, and all of this contained within the city. While you are there, its an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, looking at some of the slowest growing plants in the world.

We followed a tour group and learned a little about the saguaro cactus. We were able to touch a "boot" made by a Gila (hee la) Woodpecker, the bird carves out his hole in anticipation of having a brood. Then leaves it for 3 or 4 weeks. Meanwhile the cactus hardens to protect itself inside. The cavity that the bird made becomes a hard boot looking thing. The bird comes back, with his mate and she approves (or disapproves) of the home. If she doesn't think it good enough, they move on. Usually he will have made another home in another saguaro. After they use the hole, it will be used by other birds and animals.

After the tour we continued looking at the plants and glass. The sun glinted off of the glass, giving it a sparkling effect. The colors were phenomenal. Bright blues, sage greens, purples, reds, yellows. Everything so perfectly put together. I can not wait for Will to come home so I can take him to see the Chihuly exhibit.