It’s been a soggy grey week which dampened the concert at the bandstand on Victoria Day. Fortunately there was beautiful string music playing while people were enjoying their ‘low tea’ at the Victoria Day Tea Party. Thank you Hausmusik! And thank you Lord Nelson for sponsoring this ‘sold out’ event. It was wildly successful and enjoyed by all who attended.

Back to the grey, soggy week. I went to the Gardens on Friday to conduct a tour and photograph beforehand. It wasn’t looking promising and there was light rain as I arrived. Brolly in hand I strolled through the Gardens photographing away (not an easy thing to do with only one hand). The rain stopped within 10 minutes and a soft fog and a slow breeze wrapped their arms around me. The colors of the tulips, rhododendrons and the fresh budding leaves where like beacons. Funny how I get the best pictures and the most enjoyment out of the Gardens when I’m least looking forward to it.

The grotto looking eire.

The future ‘Will be Grande again Alleé!

There’s a kind of hush. Everything appeared to stand still.

Flowers glowing in the fog.

From the inside looking out.

One of the gardeners and I have been having a discussion about whether the earliest blooming rhodo/azaleas in the Gardens (not this one) are in fact a Rhododendron or an Azalea. After checking it out further, he was right! It is a rhodo. 10 stamens per lobe for a Rhododendron, 5 for an Azalea. Yes Brad… you can teach an older dog new tricks!

The most photographed place in the Gardens. You can understand why.

Did you find it?!

The favorite tree at the Gardens looking like she doesn’t suffer fools lightly.

I see the sun peaking out and it wasn’t supposed to. I’m off to show my appreciation and do anything outside. A la prochaine….

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