But there are girls in Ireland, fair as the flowers of spring

Ireland looks just like you think it will.

I knew it would be green in Ireland - all that rain!

I knew there would be rolling hills and unforgettable landscapes.

Actually, Ireland is more than green - it's a rainbow of colors and a multitude of textures. And that's a good thing.

Your feet will bring you to where your heart is. - Irish proverb

Sure, I expected flowers in historic, walled gardens. What a pleasant surprise to find gorgeous and wild flowers anywhere and everywhere - in big beautiful bunches, within rock crevices and seemingly along every road we drive.

Flowers every day during my walk

Who wouldn't notice these incredible hydrangeas?

Ignore the bright blue car in the foreground, please! I didn't want to intrude too much when photographing this lovely home in Galway.

Who among you can grow lavender?

Even my sister Becky, an official garden club member with a yard like we all dream of having, hasn't succeeded. In Ireland, lavender just grows.

NUIG, you win for the most floral

Because my income and career are happily bound to higher education, I've had the pleasure of visiting about 130 campuses. So I know you can count on seeing flowers in expected campus spots. In manicured flower beds close to where parents walk on Family Weekend, along paths that alumni remember and near campuses entrances.

Have I mentioned the flowers on the grounds of National University of Ireland, Galway? The NUIG campus is the most floral I've ever visited. Thank you NUIG for making every walk a stunning treat.