I went to the Gardens this morning specifically to photograph one of the geese who was sitting on her eggs. I thought it would be a poignant photo on Mother’s day. Alas the eggs were gone and I had missed my photo op.
Seeing as Flora and Diana are both female, the eggs were sterile. That doesn’t stop them from brooding over the eggs . They are hardwired to be maternal. It’s nature’s way of ensuring the continuation of the species no matter how bad the odds are.
The pink Magnolia stellata have blossomed a week behind the white variety. I see this pattern with other species. I wonder if it is always the case?
Welcome! Come on in.
You have to bend down to smell the intoxicating Hyacinths.
That is not the case with the Fritillaries. Mother nature has a wicked sense of humor as these Mission Bells have a disagreeable smell.
Some of the jobs done by the gardeners have nothing to do with growing plants. Glen is re-doing the stone border around the Soldiers fountain. Back breaking work. I bet you he’s wishing he could go back to the greenhouse and make a flower arrangement… then again maybe not. It’s a beautiful, sunny 21 degrees (clearly not taken on Sunday).
Mother’s day dawns grey and wet, but the Rhododendrons, Tulips and Magnolias add a burst of color to the dreary day.
Tossing your money away.
Some people think it makes theirs wishes come true but the reality is different. Someone has to collect them and clean up all those tossed coins. And I don’t mean the kids I saw climbing the upper bowl of one of the fountains to pocket some spending money. The return on this investment is a liability.
If you want to make a wish come true….
Toss it here and watch your contribution blossom into something beautiful.
A week has made a huge difference at the Gardens. The Pieris japonica are fading but the Tulips, Daffodils, Fritillaries, and Hyacinths merrily spread their brilliant color throughout. There is also a bright green fuzz on many of the trees.
As it is Mother’s Day I am taking a break and making this a short one.
All copy and images copyright © Serena Graham-Dwyer, 2013. If you wish to use any part or whole of an image, in any manner, please contact us.
Along the Gardens path... 
Loved all the photos..especially the Lilacs! Can’t grow them here in Florida. But I remember the fragrance!
Thanks Frances. Where you looking further back along the gardens path? This post has no Lilacs, but if you hover your pointer over the photos, you will see a description of the plant.
Glad you enjoyed them.
Cheers,
Serena