Garden

Gleaner Gardens

Here in Rhode Island we got two feet of snow last week, another foot this week, and are expecting yet another foot next week. While I like snow, I thought you might enjoy a little touch of spring.

Last year a friend took me to a private garden named Gleaner Gardens. The owners have an extensive collection of rhododendron plants, most of which are quite well established. You are invited at every turn to wander through the paths and admire the remarkably diverse forms this plant can take. You will find purple, pink, red, and white, as well as orange and one variety that seems nearly translucent.

Nearly Translucent Rhody

Should you wish to stay awhile, an inviting reading bench is tucked away in one corner. You may even be escorted by Rio, the resident German shepherd. This quiet floral escape even boasts a meditation garden, where you will find both Buddha and St. Francis of Assisi.

Reading Bench

Enjoy this little touch of spring rhodies from Rhody!

NY Botanical Garden

Magnolia Lane

Recently (Apr 26) I had the pleasure of visiting my friend, Anne. We went to the NY Botanical Garden on a lovely, warm day. The Garden is right across from the Bronx Zoo and next door to Fordham University. After riding the tram around the garden we went back to the grove of cherry trees, all in bloom. We walked around and took photos. I was using my Nikon CoolPix P330, a fine little camera that fits in my pocket, making it ideal for such situations. Anne had forgotten her camera, but lucked out by having her new iPad Mini with her. She managed to get some lovely shots with it. I’ve always admired Anne’s eye for a creative point of view.

Magnolia Blossom #N452

Gathering Cherry Blossoms

The cherry trees were absolutely beautiful and were being enjoyed by several people of all ages, children to seniors. Other photographers were seriously seeking their shots as well. Crabapples and magnolias were also in bloom. We explored the grove of cherry trees, then went in search of a crabapple tree we had seen on the tram ride. We found it, along with a rather crooked conifer and some beautiful forsythia in bloom. We then went in different directions, Anne back toward the crabapple trees and I to the magnolias. After marveling at the beautiful and varied magnolia trees, I joined those waiting for the tram and rode back to the main stop, where I reunited with Anne.

Right near the tram stop is a magnificent old cherry, which even has one branch propped up for support. The blossoms were dropping petals, making for a magical scene. Two young girls were fascinated by the falling petals, running about trying to catch them in their hats.

Enjoy this gallery of photos from the NY Botanical Garden, a photographer’s delight.