It’s so funny how sometimes the most beautiful things are hidden in the most unexpected places. During a recent trip to Miami, I was introduced to Cauley Square, a little-hidden gem in South Miami.
According to Wikipedia, Cauley Square Historic Village is one of most notable spots that built up along one of the stops on the Florida East Coast Railroad.
I’m told that in the spring, these wire figures are flush with flowers – our visit was in the early weeks on January, so many of the spring flowers were still hiding in the warmth of the soil.
As you walk along this hidden side street, there are a few quaint shops, restaurants and gardens. Below is a delightful florist which tucks right into the lush background.
This images from the outside wall of the Cauley Square Tea Room. Here they serve afternoon tea and little treats on fancy china. A very delightful experience I’m sure. Sadly, we arrived on a Monday and all of the shops and restaurants were closed. This just means I’ll have to stop in again the next time I’m in town!
On the bright side, because everything was closed, I was able to get some really great photos of the figures and surrounding gardens without obstruction. 🙂
The elephant ears are beautiful, growing up I had a HUGE bunch of elephant ears growing in my backyard. I always felt so small under that bunch of leaves – I would imagine myself surrounded by actual elephants. Oh, the imagination of a child.
I find release in the beauty of my surroundings, the colors are like therapy. Something about walking around these gardens with all the natural beauty, it makes me feel calm and peaceful. It’s like nothing else in the world matters, all of my responsibilities and deadlines fade away allowing me to be completely absorbed in the moment.
Photo Credit: meterBrandi Bhamani
My darling husband, meandering around the grounds, taking in the green space and drawing in the slightly humid air like an expensive whiskey, slow and savory. A welcome break from the grip of Cedar Fever we were escaping.
This delightful fountain reminded me of the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
I’m not a huge fan of spiders, but I find their webs to be amazing. Something about the way they often high in plain sight, overlooked and often brushed away as something of an annoyance. But these webs are structural marvels – something so small which offers strength and beauty the perfect combination of form and function.
Banyan Trees are pretty cool, not only to their roots grow from the branches, but they are the monsters of the forest, completely growing over trees in the way of their light source. They remind me of these walking trees I saw in Panama. According to our tour guide, the walking trees can travel up to 20 meters(!) in order to take up an open space in the canopy.
The competition for light is fierce!
Just like the trees I mentioned earlier, even these plants have managed to climb their way up these tall trees in search of light and rain.
So what little gems have you found recently? What spaces give you a sense of calm and joy?
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