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One last outdoor outing--for this year anyway




October 2022--Summer is done—but since the warmer weather decided to linger a little longer, we decided to take full advantage of the fresh air and sunshine one more time before having to don winter coats and gloves.


Saturday was a beautiful day in southwest Michigan—lots of sunshine, moderate temperatures, and stunning colors, so we headed out to the Fernwood Botanical Garden.

The friends we went with had been there, but we had not. And after spending nearly two hours on the walking trails, I had to ask myself how I could not have ever visited this place. It’s amazing and it’s right here in Niles.


Some of the walking trails are paved. Most are natural trails through trees and at this time of the year you hear the crunching of the leaves with each step. The sights were amazing—but so were the smells. There weren’t any flowers out there but a lot of plants and trees. It was like an earthy smell with a persistent whiff of decaying leaf piles on the ground. To some, it’s a nasty smell—to me, it’s totally an outdoor smell and reminds me of all the times I have wandered through forest preserves. It was a familiar smell and comforting in a funny sort of way.


I was always a few steps behind the others—for starters I do walk slower than them, but I also kept stopping to take photographs. So many beautiful sites. And when I didn’t know what kind of tree or plant it was but wanted to know, I would snap a photo and use my Picture This app and within seconds I got a response with the name (common and official) its origin and other interesting information.


These trails encompass 105 acres—many of which are alongside the picturesque St. Joe River—and bring you past a Japanese garden, an arboretum, sculptures, a pumpkin house, and beautiful landscape everywhere. The outdoor railway garden was really unique with a miniature train that chugs its way around a waterfall, through two tunnel mountains and past scaled local landmarks like the Niles train depot, the Henry Chapin mansion in Niles and Notre Dame’s golden dome.


We were among hundreds of people who came there Saturday to enjoy one of the last nice days this year. We even saw a bride and groom posing for photos with guests who arrived to celebrate their wedding. Those photos are going to be beautiful with the autumn-colored backdrop.


We watched boaters and fishermen on the river, no doubt enjoying what could be their last day on the river. And we took a few swigs of water from a freshwater pump. Then sat on a swing to just take in all the views—and the smells.


And that’s when it hit me. Ok, so maybe hit isn’t the right word. I should say that’s when it stung me. It was the first time in my life I’ve been stung by a bee. It hurt big time-- a lot more than the flu shot I just got! Not sure if it was a bumble bee or a honeybee. I’m told they’ll sting if they think you’re a threat to their hive. I didn’t see a hive and didn’t hear anything buzzing by me. But I sure did feel that zap as it planted that stinger right in me. The only good thing that came out of that is I learned I’m not allergic to bee stings. It didn’t damper our day, though, and we continued to take in all the natural beauty that never ceases to amaze.


If you’re out in the area, add this place to your excursion schedule. I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed. I know we weren’t.


Take it one day at a time.


jodi marneris



4 Comments


lynus11
Oct 30, 2022

Love Fernwood, have only been there once and you're so close. Great photos,

glad you recovered from bee sting 😊

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 jodi marneris
jodi marneris
Oct 31, 2022
Replying to

Hope you’re able to get out there again! Maybe the four of us? Of course after the hunting season. 🥴

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janohalloran
janohalloran
Oct 26, 2022

I love your descriptions, Jodi. I almost feel like I was right there, walking beside you. Sorry about the bee sting, though. I hope that's the first and last time you'll experience that!

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 jodi marneris
jodi marneris
Oct 26, 2022
Replying to

And wouldn’t we have had fun if you were!

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