~~~Young Song Sparrow, Longwood Meadow
morning birdsong
calms my troubled heart
centers my soul
* * *
Yesterday’s Sabbath was a challenge.
Not because my spirit didn’t welcome it,
but because my body kept voting No
to all the delights I’d planned. Read the rest of this entry »
deep purple iris
unfurls soft silky petals
brushed with gold highlights
the garden of my heart
sits quietly waiting
chairs placed side by side
beam with glowing luster
tadpoles swim
mosquitoes buzz
flowers dip and sway,
music from a springtime breeze
invites me out to play
lily pads provoke a game
of hopscotch cricket-style
dragon-flies flit overhead
and clap their wings for joy
cool water laps around the reeds
a gentle under-tone
announcing your arrival soon
to be with me
alone
* * *
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 16 June 2015
Photo found at Chanticleer Garden Guide
Chanticleer Pond Garden
Here are more gorgeous photos from Longwood Gardens, leftover from yesterday’s lengthy, surprise phone and internet service outage. Nothing like instant withdrawal from blogging to test my patience! But we endured, and here’s a tiny feast for your eyes, minus the heat. Read the rest of this entry »
blushing pods ripen
beneath spring-green canopy
of leafy heart shapes
* * *
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 11 June 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, 12 June 2015
Redbud Seed Pods at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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.
Painted Lady butterfly, one of scores we saw
Panorama from one of several pavilions
Bird nest with spring bonnet – tree swallow
Tree Swallow – fearless, keeping an eye on us!
Wildflowers – Do you know what they are?
Not sure what this is. Do you see one or two?
Bull frog in pond – Here’s looking at you, kid.
Italian Water Garden – sorry, no sound effects
Bullfrog heaven – far end of the large pond
Formal Flower Walk – fountain marks midpoint
Stairway to hot weather plants and succulents
End of mini-tour!
Thanks for coming.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 8 June 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, 5 June 2015 at Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens, approaching the Meadow
I know. It’s about 45 minutes away from home. But it’s still my secret garden annex. A place of refuge and natural beauty any time of the year, plus occasional romantic walks in the woods.
Not to mention hot and sweaty hikes, Read the rest of this entry »
Telling the Truth 