Along the Gardens path...

Off the Gardens path we go….at least while our beloved Public Gardens are asleep.

Serena — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:15:11 +0000

A kid in a candy shop was how my husband described me on a long overdue visit to the gardens of Burle Marx just outside Rio de Janeiro. Mr. Marx is most famous for designing the black and white, stone mosaic sidewalk of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a landscape architect, he designed many famous public spaces in Brazil but he considered himself an artist first, then a botanist, then a landscape architect. This is evident in the garden which he lovingly evolved over 46 years, filling it with 3500 species of predominately native plants.

The roots of this 80 year old tree, refuse to be overlooked. They have risen above the ground to anchor the tree on the slope.There is no way Burle Marx could have planned the prominent role these roots would one day play… or did he?They are the first thing you notice upon beginning your tour of his gardens.

Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake plants) are used as a backdrop to emphasize the architectural shapes of the Agaves.

This aptly named ornamental tree begins its ‘flamboyant’ display of crimson flowers paired with lacy fern like leaves.

While studying painting in Berlin, the 18-year-old Burle Marx had an epiphany during a visit to the Berlin Botanical Gardens. There, he encountered beautiful plant species native to Brazil, and vowed that upon his return he would design gardens using native species instead of the imported plant materials favored by Brazilian landscape architects. In doing so, he revolutionized landscape design in Brazil, being on the leading edge of conservation, preservation and the utilization of native species.

Other than the water lilies and the flowers on the Flamboyant tree in the background, this colorful water garden is composed entirely of foliage plants.

Burle Marx a man after my own heart, loved a good party and built this open air ‘party room’ behind his house at his ‘sitio’. This modern space is surrounded by a water feature, contains an open fireplace and was designed to frame the surrounding gardens. This particular view looks toward the root flare of a huge Ficus tree.

To think that prior to the influence of this wonderful artist, Brazilians imported Pines and Gladioli for their gardens instead of using ‘inferior’ local species.

The roots of this Philodendron plant growing in the canopy of a tree, spill down to the ground creating a surreal waterfall. Philodendrons begin life in the canopy of trees, then send aerial roots to the forest floor where they can uptake their nutrients. Burle Marx was a master at his craft, but Mother Nature invented good design by combining beauty and function.

Design magic! Pairing the flowers of these Bromeliads with the similar colored bark on this (unknown to me) tree.

This XVIII century logia was disassembled from the center of Rio de Janeiro and reassembled at the ‘sitio’ in 1990. It fronts a contemporary building Mr. Marx planned, to use as his art studio. He began this project at 80 years old and unfortunately didn’t live to see it’s completion. He died at 84 years of age.

Not for the faint of foot (and a total liability nightmare in North America), theTrilha Trapézio footpath, consists of irregular shaped and sized stepping-stones, descending to the Rock and Pond area of the garden through swaths of Bromeliads and Heliconias.

You might not be able to get blood from a stone, but it can sustain life!

A repeating theme at the ‘sitio’ (farm), Mr. Marx liked to have ‘floating’ gardens in his water features. Some had pillars rising out of the water supporting planted containers, these ponds contain ‘islands’ of palm trees.

I hope no one gets offended that I have wandered off the Gardens path. The Halifax Public Gardens hold a special place in my heart and I endeavor to keep it prominent in the conscience of Haligonians and all lovers of gardens. This garden also holds a special place in my Brazilian heart. I’m proud of the work that Mr. Marx devoted his life to and elated that he donated his ‘sitio’ to the Brazilian government so that it would be preserved for future generations. I salute all efforts to maintain and preserve these beautiful spaces so that we can continually be connected and inspired by the wonders of nature.

Filed under: photo tour Tagged: Burle Marx, Sitio Burle Marx

Happy New Year! This is the time of year when we reflect on the past and ponder our hopes for the future.

Serena — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:26:11 +0000

I thought this would be an appropriate time to wander down memory lane and view the Gardens as it was THEN, and as it is NOW. I’ve taken a collection of old photo’s or postcards which were passed on to me by the chief horticulturist of the Gardens. It’s interesting to look at the old photo’s and take note of the changes in the trees, the clothing and the surroundings… the natural evolution of things. It’s remarkable how some things have barely changed at all. That after all, is what the Halifax Public Gardens is all about. It’s one of the finest examples of a Victorian Garden in the Gardenesque style, in North America. We are a national historic site of Canada for that reason. Some things are worth the effort to preserve.

NOW! This year a much-needed major restoration project was undertaken to return the bandstand to its original look. I was delighted by the change! The red roof and primary colours which most of us have come to associate with the bandstand are gone, and in its place we have a beautiful replica of the original.

THEN... 125 years ago a bandstand was commissioned to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Since its construction, it has become the "face" of the Halifax Public Gardens. Like human faces, this symbolic one had grown saggy and tired...

THEN.... A hundred years ago the old wooden bridges were replaced by the pretty ones we see today. It was a shady spot, bordered by elm trees and with a stream which flowed southeast toward South Park St. and Spring Garden Rd.

NOW... The biggest difference one notices today at the upper bridge is the absence of the large elm trees at the corners, thanks to Hurricane Juan. What seemed a tragedy at the time opened up the area to new opportunity by introducing sunlight and much-needed cash and attention. The stream bed was widened and a mixed border was planted along its length, making it one of the most photographed areas of the Gardens today.

THEN.... The old wooden upper bridge in the 1900's, showing a miniature house on the stream, a tradition which we continue to this day...

NOW... The miniature house is a different one and has moved to the shore, a fountain now occupies the little island and of course, the bridge is 100 years new. The stream is edged in a new mixed border and is a delight in the spring when the clumps of Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda) are in bloom.

THEN... This corner of the Gardens (Northwest) was developed in 1874 when a swamp was drained and fill was added. The Halifax Citadel is visible in the background.

NOW... The shape of the serpentine beds haven't changed in over 100 years, though different annual plants highlight its shape. Citadel Hill is no longer visible as the trees have matured.

THEN... Looking west down the Petit Allée this postcard makes a liar out of me. The plant blooming on the left is an Agave which is represented in our present day Tropical display bed. Our current ones (which are over-wintered in the greenhouse) have never bloomed (because we don't have enough heat and sun said I). 1907 must have been a very good year!

NOW... the trees have grown (though not large enough to hide 'progress'), the statues are a little worse for wear and the clothing of day have become more casual, but the Petite allée continues to draw the promenading crowds.

After the skating rink was demolished in 1889, a new entry to the Gardens was commissioned and designed by Henry Busch (the same architect who designed the bandstand). The main gates which presently sit at the corner of Spring Garden Rd and South Park St. were built for this Arched Pavillion. In 1908, this gatehouse was demolished and the gates were moved to their present location. Why the Arched Pavillion ceased to exist is a mystery to me. What catastrophe befell it? If anyone can shed some light on this I'd love to know.

NOW... A familiar site to all of us. The gates are more visible at the intersection of Spring Garden Rd. and South Park St, though the old gatehouse would have been an impressive sight. The foundry which produced these gates imprinted every project they did with a distinctive diamond-shaped emblem. Please let me know when you find it!

I had meant to post this on January 1, but I was visiting gardens in the southern hemisphere and though I went to great effort to ensure I was ‘connected’, my laptop decided to take a holiday and move at Carioca (citizens of Rio de Janeiro) speed. I have therefore resolved to visit the Mac store and purchase a more reliable companion so that I can maintain my credibility. Happy New Year and I’ll be in touch next month. Cheers, Serena

Filed under: Halifax Public Gardens, photo tour Tagged: Halifax public gardens, hurricane juan, Main gates at the Public Gardens, serpentine beds, spring garden rd, upper bridge

Like the bears, we are heading into hibernation for the season.

Serena — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:28:20 +0000

The first day of December and the Gardens remain open, though few people walk its paths. Other than the few oak leaves still clinging to their trees, and some roses and primulas which continue to bloom in spite of the lateness of the season, the rest of the gardens have settled into winter dormancy.There is still beauty to behold, a testament to good garden design. Evergreen plants and trees put on a varied display of color and texture, the naked shapes of defoliated trees draw one to admire their contorted limbs, and exfoliating bark blazes streaks of color in the grey surroundings. Today is the last day to enjoy these gifts of nature. At dusk, the Gardens will be closing after a glorious (though slow starting) season.

Representing the circle of life, Christmas wreaths are traditionally made of evergreens to celebrate the victory of life through darkness and challenge. The beautiful wreath Glen made hangs on the main gates, heralding the festive season.

Phoenix rising! Flora is very excited to see me. I think she's lonely. As soon as I arrived at the fence both she and Finegan came over for a chat.

True to the axially symmetrical design Richard Power chose for the Gardens, this huge clump of Rhododendrons are mirrored on the other side of the bandstand.

The last of a dying breed. It's December 1 and there are still some Rosas (roses) and Primulas blooming in the Gardens in spite of the snow we experienced last week. We should all be so hardy!

Exfoliating bark on this Acer griseum (Paperbark maple) add interest and color to the bed by the ladies washroom.

It’s cold and damp, and getting harder to find inspiration, so I decide to head for the greenhouses belonging to the Gardens. I am privileged to have access behind the scenes. The next time the Public Gardens host an open house, you too can get a taste of the tropics.

It may be grey and lifeless outside, but inside the display house at the gardens things are humming along.

Just a little tease for those of us lucky enough to be going to the tropics soon... Brazil anyone?

The aptly named birds of paradise (Strelitzia)!

The "buena noche" (Christmas Eve) plant became a Christmas tradition after a miracle, which occurred when a poor Mexican girl's offering of a weed bouquet on Christmas eve turned into the flowers we know today as Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). It is actually a small tree or large shrub in its native Mexico.

Thank you all for taking the time to follow these weekly photo tours, and for the encouraging comments and emails. As the Gardens are closing , I will only be posting photos once a month until the Gardens re-open on April 12, 2012.

As a volunteer (and board member) of the Friends of the Public Gardens, I invite you to join our membership (and to volunteer, the pay isn’t great but the perks are inspiring!). It’s the best $10 I’ve ever spent.

Don’t forget to head down to Horticultural Hall on December 15 from 5-7 PM to join us in celebrating the holiday season.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a joyous holiday season to all!

Filed under: photo tour Tagged: flora, Halifax public gardens, Horticultural Hall, Main gates at the Public Gardens

Time to change the name from ‘along the gardens path’, to ‘through the gardens fence’…

Serena — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:10:45 +0000

After a wonderful hiatus, winter arrived in Nova Scotia with a vengeance! I decided it would be a wonderful opportunity to get a fresh outlook on the Gardens but the weather (particularly the roads), weren’t cooperating and I had to stay in Bedford. The next morning I enthusiastically make my way into town, only to find the gates sealed and the Gardens temporarily(?) closed, due to the deep encrusted snow covering the paths. That didn’t daunt me (I take my job seriously), so I walked around the perimeter of the Gardens and took photos through the fence.

Someone was trudging through that snow, though by the time I made it into the Gardens, they were closed.

These are those 'bones' I featured last week, dressed completely different.

This could be the middle of February, but that isn't ice covering Griffin's pond, just snow... lot's of it!

Some of the last leaves still clinging to the trees are those on the different Quercus (oak trees) species around the Gardens.

I find weeping trees particularly beautiful with a mantilla on snow covering their crowns.

On December 15 from 5-7PM, these gates will open once more and Horticultural Hall will be decked out for the Christmas/ Holiday season social. All are welcome!

Built in 1876, the Grotto was built as a drinking fountain near the first public lawn tennis court in Canada (which is now the family lawn).

Winter wonderland. You would only get this view in the winter when the leaves have fallen off the trees.

This large Acer (Maple) is crowding the fence and causing it to bulge. If a tree isn't planted straight , it'll grow at an angle forever. Imagine having our mistakes highlighted for so long!

The merging of two seasons. This unusual Quercus robur 'Concordia' (Yellow English oak), shows it's colors best in the fall (though it's leaves are golden all summer.

Through the Gardens fence... good thing my camera is small and fits through the gaps in the fence.

The multi talented Glen (he's also the carpet bed guy), is assembling the biggest wreath I've even seen. It will hang on the main gates.

Weather permitting, the Gardens will re-open for one more week. On December 2 the gates will close for the season. Once the Gardens are closed, I will only be posting photos once a month until the Gardens re-open in April. That’s only 4 months away! It’s almost time to start

planning next year’s flowers (that’s already been done by the pro’s at the Gardens)!

Filed under: Halifax Public Gardens, photo tour, Trees Tagged: Griffin's pond, Grotto, Halifax public gardens, Horticultural Hall Plaza, lower bridge, Main gates at the Public Gardens, wrought iron fence

Morning glory! My favorite part of the day. Watching the trees light up as the sun rose made the rush hour traffic on the way in almost worth it. I watched with envy, those lucky folk who walk through the Gardens on their way to work. I can’t imagine two better things. Walking to work and having the Gardens as your shortcut. Together they’ll keep you in top form.

Serena — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:33:35 +0000

Where do they go in the winter? These fences are normally hung with all kinds of arts, crafts and souveniers to tempt the many visitors to the gardens.

I've heard of living walls, but living gates? The moss on the main gates enhance the details on the wrought iron.

The morning sun lights up the changing leaves by the stream.

These wonderful evergreen shrubs will keep you entranced all year long.Their bell shaped flowers will attract your attention even in the fall, before they open in the spring. The young new leaves in the spring are brightly colored and from afar can be mistaken for flowers.

Looks like a great spot for a vacation! Now that the leaves are gone it's not as easy to imagine yourself in the middle of the woods.

One of several urns, which along with the statues of Ceres, Flora and Diana, were donated to the Gardens by Sir William Young. They are slated for rejuvenation in the near future.

Living up to it's name, this Quercus rubra (Red oak tree) puts on a lovely display by the lower bridge.

A reflective mallard.

At 8AM few of us have the luxury of spending time in the Gardens. Some lucky local residents use the gardens as a shortcut to work. That would start the day off right!

One of my favorite trees, Salix, (Willow tree), especially when their graceful branches weep into the water. They are know for their remarkable toughness, and tenacity to life. This one's for my mum.

Now's the time to admire the 'bones' of the Gardens.

Filed under: Fall, Halifax Public Gardens, photo tour, Trees Tagged: and upper bridge., ducks, Fall colors, flora, foliage plants, Griffin's pond, Halifax public gardens, lower bridge, Main gates at the Public Gardens, weeping european beech

Lest we forget.

Serena — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:33:10 +0000

A memorial to soldiers who faced hardship and danger away from home, sits within a ring of weeping trees at the Gardens. The fountain itself weeps into an oval of water with the branches of a centenarian weeping beech, brushing the surface.

Beside it sits a bench. A true place of reflection.

The Boer War Memorial is one of innumerable memorials scattered around the world, which attests to the many who have sacrificed.

I am grateful to share a moment of reflection, surrounded by my community.

One of many commemorative statues around the world where we gather to reflect upon the men,women, veterans and their families, who put their lives on the line in our name.

Surrrounded by weeping trees, the Soldiers Memorial has stood in the image of a 16 year old Haligonian since 1903.

The young women are gone and so is the water but the interior of the Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' ( Weeping European beech) remains magical..

Don't let its beauty fool you. The Delphinium species can be toxic so admire from afar... which is the best way to admire them, in clumps and from afar.

There's a kind of hush...

They've been keeping each other company for over 125 years. They've got all the bases covered.

Frances this is for you!

Uncommon grounds indeed! There is nothing common about the Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese umbrella pine) in the mid-ground.

I've got to sneak in my leaf picture. No wonder they inspire so many artists!

Even without the annuals, the serpentine beds are interesting. Their purpose is to display their shape and they succeed admirably.

A nearly full moon rising from the East. I was standing on the other side of the Gardens on a rise, and with the leaves gone, you could see clearly across the Gardens.

Reminds me of a Japanese Garden I went to in Vancouver, though the Acer (Maple) in the background is of the larger variety.

I was informed twice that the gardens where closing but I couldn't resist another shot at the sky.

PS: Did you know that if you hover your cursor over the picture you can get a description of what you’re looking at.

Filed under: Fall, photo tour Tagged: Acer, Fall colors, flora, Griffin's pond, Halifax public gardens, Japanese umbrella pine, lower bridge, miniature wooden house, Sciadopitys verticillata, serpentine beds, uncommon grounds, weeping european beech

There are two ways to increase your wealth… materially and spiritually.

Serena — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:29:12 +0000

In the past couple of weeks our city’s motto continues to hold true. While the awarding of the 25 billion (how many zeros?) shipbuilding contract to the local Irving Shipyard won’t directly increase everyone’s material wealth, it has certainly raised the spirits of our community. If you want to raise it further…. head down to the gardens, take a stroll, breath deeply and thank whoever you place your faith in, for the wonders which surround you.

"E Mari Merces" our city's motto continues to hold true. It means "Wealth from the sea". Prescient!

Why so blue? It looks cold in this photo, but it was a lovely windless, sunny afternoon.

Yes... almost no wind.

The lighthouse on the Island on Griffin's Pond.

Container gardening can be done almost year round. The urns on the bridges are ready for the frost. The Brassica oleracea (Ornamental Cabbage) only show their vibrant colors after exposure to frost and cold weather.

Nature never ceases to amaze me! She creates masterpieces for the price of a mere seed. Then she makes them nutritious to boot!

We had a little bit of rain this weekend (and in some places sleet and snow), so there are plenty of puddles to hydrate our fine feathered friends. With few people in the gardens, the ducks have taken over the paths.

Bird art? The gardeners tell me this handy tool elicits the most enquiries. It's a vertical blade sheer used to edge the lawn. It looks easier on the back then the edger I currently use and I can use it as a lawn ornament during the off-season. I think I'll suggest it to 'Readers Corner' in Fine Gardening magazine!

A fall montage. Hydrangea with Euonymus alata ( Burning Bush) in the background.

The great gran-daddy of all trees. One of the oldest trees in the gardens, this Ulmus americana ( American Elm) was planted by the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society in the 1840's after the completion of Horticultural Hall.

I never pay much attention to the roses in the Gardens during the summer... they don't seem to thrive that well. They get the last laugh, as they draw my attention week after week this fall.

How can a tree survive with a hole in the middle? Because the heartwood (the center 'wood' area ) of the tree is made up of dead cells. The nutrient rich (life-giving) cells of trees are found just below the bark. As long as these are intact (not severed horizontally around the tree) they can transport nutrients and water from the leaves to the roots and vice versa.

The Gardens are closing on December 2 for the winter, and the Uncommon Grounds Cafe inside the Gardens, has closed for the season. We continue to have lovely days in which to soak up some sunshine and oxygen rich air, so take advantage while you can. Soon you won’t be looking down the garden’s path but through the gardens fence. Cheers,

Serena

Filed under: Annuals, Fall, photo tour, Trees Tagged: American Elm, and upper bridge., Burning Bush, ducks, e mari merces, Euonymus alata, Fall colors, Griffin's pond, Halifax City motto, Halifax public gardens, heartwood, Hollow tree, Hydrangea, lighthouse, Main gates at the Public Gardens, ornamental vegetable garden, Roses, Ulmus americana, vertical blade sheers, waterfowl population

Third week in October and I had to take my jacket off…

Serena — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:04:48 +0000

Built in 1902 the Gardener's Lodge next to the Greenhouses was built to house the superintendents of the Public Gardens. Today it is used as an administrative building for HRM.

A better example of an Allee than the Grande Allee (it wasn't as hard hit by Hurricane Juan), this line of Tilia x europaea (European Linden), above the serpentine beds along Summer st., were probably planted in the late 1800's. They perfume the air in mid to late June.

The golden apricot color of the Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura tree) by the Jubilee Fountain, heralds the arrival of fall and the presence of that mouth-watering cotton candy scent.

This disfiguring fungal disease ( Tar Spot on Acer (Maple) , is widespread on Maple trees around HRM. Fortunately it only becomes apparent late in the season, and does no serious harm. To contain it, fallen leaves must be raked up and destroyed during the fall.

The pink "flowers" on this Aralia elata (Devils walking-stick) , are actually inflorescences (the structure that bears the flowers and fruit). During summer, they are green and bear white flowers, turning pink as their black berries ripen then fall.

This 113 year old Platanus x acerifolia ( London Planetree), may be commonplace in Europe, but not so in the Maritimes. It is valued for its beautiful bark (which resembles camouflage material, with patches of olive-green, browns and cream).

Now a close-up of the bark of the Platinus x acerifolia ( London Planetree). No two trees are alike. Notice the entrance some critter has made into the heartwood of this tree.

Madonna may turn her nose up at these flowers, but I can't imagine a garden without them. The flowers are true chameleons, beginning life as small pale green clusters, morphing to blue, then lavender with dusty rose accents.

I told you this place is blessed... we can even grow Hibiscus! Actually these are a hardy variety and not the tropical ones. But they sure look the part, even in late October.

Hybrid Tea Roses are too fussy for my taste as a gardener. Fortunately the Gardens have a wonderful dedicated bunch of gardeners who take on the fuss and leave me with the pleasure of admiring these beauties.

Bottoms up!!!

As you can see, there is still lots of life left in this old season. You just have to get a little closer or narrow your focus a bit. The effort is worth it.

Filed under: Fall, photo tour, Trees Tagged: allee, cercidephyllum japonicum, fall, Halifax public gardens, hibiscus, Hybrid Tea roses, Hydrangea macrophylla, Jubilee fountain, katsura tree, Platanus x acerifolia, waterfowl population

Fall is at its glory. At least it is on the way into the Public Gardens. The trees are glowing red, orange, plum…

Serena — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:44:58 +0000

Within the gardens, summer still lingers. The annuals are still putting on a display, albeit not as floriferous as 2 weeks ago. The trees have barely begun to turn, but the paths are relatively quiet. The Uncommon Grounds however was pretty busy, with most people sitting outside enjoying our lovely weather.

The tender tropicals are being moved indoors, and the annuals in the Tropical Display/Cacti Bed have been removed. Time to start planning for winter, and book a vacation in the sun!

Hibiscus, Cacti, Agaves and Musa occupy their winter home . Being inside a greenhouse on a cold winter's day is lovely. It's not as nice as going south, but it's a wonderful break!

Commemorating 100 years of the local Shriners. Carpet beds have long-lasting displays which last well into fall.

Leaves and berries aren't the only plant parts worthy of admiration during the fall. The fruit hanging on this Magnolia tree resemble Christmas ornaments.

Another attention grabber! This Pinus cembra (Swiss stone Pine) has a hug crook in its second trunk.

An odd name for a very pretty Dahlia 'Mingus Selena'. I keep expecting the frost to hit and end the spectacular Dahlia display, but they keep on trucking!

Art and ice cream at the Uncommon Grounds cafe. A bright, cheerful corner where the kids can take a break from chasing the ducks.

This majestic Quercus (Oak Tree) donated by King George, can be found next to the statue of Ceres.

As the name suggests, the Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) is covered in stemless tulip-like flowers in mid to late June.

Just hanging!

Filed under: photo tour Tagged: agave, carpet beds, dahlia, greenhouse, liriodendron tulipifera, magnolia, pinus cembra, quercus, uncommon grounds

Time to pay the piper! After being lulled by the fabulous weather, reality has blown in… in the form of 55 mm of rain and winds gusting to 80 kph!!! I decide to head to the Gardens to try and capture some tempestous photos, but instead I found tranquility (and even a little sunshine) though the wind was persistent. There is something very special about having a very public place to oneself!

Serena — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:38:35 +0000

I found what I was looking for! I was having a hard time holding that umbrella in the blustery, wet conditions.

: Miraculously the rain stopped by the time I reached the gates. Someone really wants me to continue these photos! A classic sign of fall, Hydrangea paniculata (PeeGee Hydrangea) which starts out white and turns dusty rose as the temperatures drop.

The serpentine beds are still looking great, though the annual Alyssum have given up the ghost.

: The fallen berries of the Sorbus aucuparia (Mountain Ash Tree) carpet the gravel path.

Pretty soon the nymph and her cherubs will be coming off their perches for some much needed rejuvenation.

: A lovely plant grouping which will remain mostly unchanged during the winter,except for the absence of the Sedum.

Hard to know who has the most stature. Flora or the Miscanthus sinensis ( Maiden Grass) . Pun intended.

: Things are still pretty floriferous, especially the Dahlias in the background. Unfortunately with low temperatures being forecasted they’ll soon be gone!

The Maritime Ship Modellers Guild who maintains the Titanic model every year has its work cut out for it ! A Cormorant has taken up residence on the stern (I think it's the same one, though they all look the same to me) and appears to have collapsed the stern decks. The steel pipes placed through the bow and stern to discourage the birds from perching didn't work. Kind of like deer repellents.

: Everyone’s favorite tree! The spectacular weeping branches of the Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ (Weeping European Beech’, are the favorite destination of young and old alike. The spreading canvas forms a huge cave to meander through or sit and listen to the falling water of the Boer War Memorial Fountain.

Filed under: Annuals, Fall, photo tour, Trees Tagged: flora, grasses, Halifax public gardens, Jubilee fountain, miscanthus sinensis, serpentine beds, sorbus aucuparia, weeping european beech