We wanted to give Pat and Barbara the royal treatment and what better way than to take them to a castle. Not just any castle, the one with the most magnificent grounds in the region. It is located on an island in Lake Constance. We took a ferry to the Island of Mainau.
It is called the Island of Flowers. The Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden built a summer palace on the island in 1853. The current Duke and Duchess live there today. In 1974 it was given to a foundation so the public could enjoy it. And they do! We loved the topiaries. As we crossed the bridge into the park, we were greeted by "Blumie" a giant flower topiary.
Another fabulous topiary was a peacock and there were ducks!
Every season has it's beauty. Fall is dalia time at Mainau. We gasped at the beauty of the dalias at every turn. We had never seen so many or such a variety of color.
The rose garden was still beautiful, though not at it's greatest glory.
There was a fall festival going on while we were there. It was in the "Palm House", a huge green house next to the castle large enough to grow several large palm trees. We enjoyed the festival, including food and crafts for sale.
Also attached to the castle was a magnificent chapel.
Normally, people are not allowed inside the castle. However, because we were there at Schlossfest time, we were allowed to tour part of the castle. It was a beautiful residence fit for a duke and duchess.
As we moved on around the island, we came to the "Butterfly House". We entered through the giant caterpillar. Just beautiful flying color all around us. Barbara said, " you are lucky if one lands on you", and then one did. One landed on Tom too!
This day was truly a feast for the eyes.
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