Literally and figuratively the Gardens where abuzz on Wednesday when I visited. Everywhere I went there were birds dashing about , bathing and chasing and singing and chirping and just generally happy to be alive.
The bumblebees added to the chorus, buzzing around the fading Pieris flowers, drinking up the nectar.
On the human front, the gardeners were out in full force, cleaning up the detritus of winter and preparing the beds for planting season.
In spite of the grey day, there was hope and renewal in the air.
This bumblebee was too busy gathering nectar for its young to be bothered by my close proximity.
The Forsythias always shine a little brighter on a grey day.
I’ve been admiring these lovely Primula for 2 weeks and thought I better share before they were gone. They’re in the perennial beds by the bandstand, in case you make it down to the Gardens before they’re gone.
The scroll beds have been edged and are starting to look lovely as the tulips just begin to bloom. After the tulips fade they will be replaced by annual flowers which will highlight the shape of the bed.
My favorite sign of spring. I have an Acer platanoides (Norway maple tree) just like this outside my bedroom window which never fails to lift my spirits on a cold spring day.
All the daffodils (Narcissus) are now in bloom around the bandstand. Daffodils are photogyric, meaning their flowers turn to face the sun, so if your beds face north you’ll only see the backs of the flowers.
As the name suggests this Aralia spinosa (Devils walkingstick) has spines along its stems. It’s an ugly duckling which will become a swan, producing large lacy flowers in late summer.
Nature loves to play tricks on us.
These Fritillarias draw their viewers in for a closer look, only to repel them with their skunky smell. Personally I like the smell of skunk, but I think I’m in the minority.
Last year, this tree by the gardeners shed was a burn victim when a fire was unintentionally (we hope) set by after hours trespassers. Since trees increase their girth by growing a new outer layer every year, these scorch marks will soon be hidden (unless there has been damage to the cambium – the cell producing area just below the bark).
These Sedums in the tropical display bed make a lovely contrast.
Waiting for the band to start playing? These folks are peaking too early!
The Sunday Concert Series at the bandstand begin on June 17.
Along the Gardens path... 