Italian Water Garden | Telling the Truth

June 24, 2019

Late Spring at Longwood 2019 | Photos A

I’ve decided to go with two parts for the rest of our Longwood Gardens photos. The meadow is always a highlight, except when it’s closed in winter. No crowds or lines of spectators. Just the sky above and the earth beneath. However, we can’t get there without walking through other beautiful parts of Longwood.

D took the photo at the top and those just below on our way to the meadow. The trees at the top are along a wooded path to the Italian Water Garden just next to the meadow, and Longwood Lake (below).

Here’s a close-up of the small fountains on the side, in the shade. The gentleman standing there is on the lower path to the pond.

Turning around from the fountains, we’re facing Longwood Lake bordered by a walking path, with lovely lounge chairs on the sloping lawn.

Finally, here’s a water fountain just for thirsty human beings!

Now we’re next to and slightly above the Italian Water Garden, walking through a forested area toward the pond and meadow. You can see a bit of the meadow peeking through undergrowth just in front of me. Next, late-blooming rhododendron, and a shy red Northern Cardinal hiding out in the foliage.

We didn’t see a lot of action at the pond. Too late in the day. I think this turtle wanted us to toss a few crumbs his way (not allowed!). Or maybe he was after that slow-moving number right in front of his nose? I don’t know what the specks are.

Beneath the pond bridge, a small Eastern Wood-Peewee was on the lookout for juicy insects. Very quick and industrious.

Now we’re on the edge of the meadow. It’s early in the afternoon. High sun, wonderful breeze, and low humidity. Don’t miss the bee!

That’s all for now, folks! More meadow photos in the second part, plus a few beauties from the rest of our visit.

Til later,
Elouise♥

©Elouise Renich Fraser, 24 June 2019
Photos taken by DAFraser, 12 June 2019, Longwood Gardens

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May 19, 2017

More Spring at Longwood | Photos

~~~pink azaleas on the wooded path toward the lake at Longwood Gardens

Ready for round two of this notoriously breathtaking Garden? The first set of photos took us into the Gardens and down the flower walk. In this set, we’ve left the flower walk and are in a small wooded area, making our way down toward the lake.

Here’s a first look at the lake,
definitely having a hard time with algae at this end,
yet beautifully romantic with a lovely old gazebo.

Turning around on the path,
we see a young red cedar grove beside a waterfall creek
flowing through Longwood’s managed wetland.

Turning back toward the lake,
we’re walking toward the opposite end of the lake
when we come upon a pair of geese!
First mama, followed by ever vigilant papa.

This handsome human couple has no idea they’re about to
come upon the geese just beyond the weeping willow tree…
Do I know them?

We’ve reached the plaza at the end of the lake,
usually well populated by visitors with cameras,
and excited children feeding the fish with Garden-approved pellets.
Today it’s peaceful and quiet.
Don’t miss the sturdy blue lounge chairs overlooking the lake!
Or the gazebo in the distance.

Meanwhile, back up the steps to the main plaza,
we’ve turned around to see the Italian Water Garden!
Plus one gardener. Leaving the water garden,
we take the path on the right side toward the meadow.

Just before we come to the meadow, we cross a bridge over a pond
and spot a green heron stalking its next meal.
Unfortunately, he didn’t give us a good front-face pose.
Here you can see his handsome back and headfeathers,
followed by a photo of his unfortunate prey. Poor baby.

No walk through the meadow today.
Instead, we take the short perimeter path in the foreground.
A recent controlled burn leveled one major area.
It should be stunning by the end of May.
Here’s a quick look back before we head for the café.

Before we reach the café, we pass a popular site,
a tree house for children. Now empty because
it’s late in the afternoon. Don’t miss the birdfeeders!

Finally, two looks at early spring growth along the path to the café.

Hoping you have a weekend of note, no matter the season!

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 19 May 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, May 2017
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Response to WordPress Daily Prompt: Notorious

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December 14, 2015

Christmas at Longwood | Photos #1

P1110996

Christmas at Longwood is always spectacular. This year we began our walk outside, about an hour before the sun dropped below the horizon. The bird house above was for the birds, of course! Read the rest of this entry »

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June 8, 2015

Longwood Gardens | Photos

Tulip Trees in forest beside Longwood Meadow

Last Friday, Longwood Gardens was as spectacular as ever. Great weather, tons of photos. We did the hot and sweaty hike in the meadow, visited the old farm house/historical museum on the far side of the meadow, and spent more time than intended in the meadow due to multiple sightings of birds, wild flowers, interesting trees, strange insects and unexpected detours because of path restoration.

Late in the afternoon we walked beside the Italian water garden, around the large Longwood pond, and through pond-side shrubs and ferns leading to the formal flower walk. Definitely an over-abundance of color and beauty. And an over-abundance of compost odor all the way down the flower walk.

Here are some photos from our Friday adventure. More later this week.