Arboretum joys

I have limited stamina for walking about. But I do keep on going as best I can.

Our trip to the Arboretum last week started with a few "oh No's" which then changed to "I think I can's" and then a few "Thank the Goddess's"  An event was being held in the lower parking area...lot of tents and we learned there was a plant sale. But we had wanted to park there, being the closest to the gardens.

We looked briefly at the auxiliary parking lot, much further away. We even drove through it and came back out hoping we could find something better...we even said if we could find a handicapped spot we'd be willing to pay the fine (well I was willing to pay half of it!) My friend also offered to drop me off and then come back and park.

But we continued to drive around to look at the lot closest to the gardens which was not being used for the plant sale. There were the empty handicap spots. And then just two spaces down, there was an empty slot. We were ecstatic!  My friend mentioned how she knew someone who could always find parking places. I said I was so very thankful we had been able to do so!

We liked how these plants started with green leaves and stems, then switched to this purple farther up when blooming!

We had missed the indoor display on Frederick Law Olmstead...so were glad to read this little sketch of his landscape designs. He designed our local Biltmore estate gardens as well as Central Park in NY.

There were just 3 plants in the quilt garden. They were not very bright in their blooms, which we attributed to the heavy rains all the day before our visit.

The quilt garden from the look out.

Looking back up to the lookout above the quilt garden.

The roses had really been tattered by the rain. I found a bud that was pretty though.

Scratching my head about this one...now why did I take this?

Today's quotes - more from Albert Einstein!

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

“We are souls dressed up in sacred biochemical garments and our bodies are the instruments through which our souls play their music.”

Some of the Bonsai plants

 

I love seeing Bonsai plants...these are just a small part of the collection at the Asheville Aboretum.

Love that the gingko leaves are full size on this tiny tree!

This collection of Bonsai trees was in the hot house attached to the Education building...where some plants were also for sale. I didn't think to consider, maybe these were also for sale!

Greenhouse on left of Education building.

After lunch I didn't feel like dragging myself through the real big Bonsai collection. So now I have to go back to see it!

I always am thrilled to see this roof on the little shed.

Some of the orange dahlias, which were everywhere. Very stunning.

Today's quote:
Albert Einstein

“When you examine the lives of the most influential people who have ever walked among us, you discover one thread that winds through them all. They have been aligned first with their spiritual nature and only then with their physical selves.”

Under the blue skies a landscape architect

 

A recent trip to the Arboretum gave me a chance to see this lovely sculpture.

These wings looks so interesting when close up also.

Looking across a fountain to the mountains with Olmstead's sculpture.

Olmstead not only designed the Central Park in NY, but the grounds around the Biltmore estate in Asheville.

Sharing with Skywatch Friday

Today's quote:

"Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born."

Albert Einstein

Welcome Summertime...First of June!

 Rabbit rabbit, to those who like to wish good luck to everyone on the first of anything!! May each day of June be enjoyable, no matter what the weather!

A young Swallowtail...my friend said seeing the blue on his wings showed he was young still.

Once again I don't know the name of a flower...These were many small plants (about 2 feet high).

Some geraniums and coleus. We were walking through the Arboretum at Asheville NC.

I like noticing pretty patterns, and this tile work was quite pleasing.

We heard music, and the guitar and flute were sitting here playing "Let's all Gather at the River."

Yes, this was my only selfie for the day...I was much more interested in looking at the rhododendron still blooming, and Mt. Pisgah in the distance.

A very nice arrangement of plants in this round tiered planter.

A pretty variety of Salvia

Pink petunias and what I call Million Flowers...they come in so many colors, and are related to petunias.

Helen found a sweet plant to enjoy.

The Russian Sage. We could just pinch a leaf and have a bouquet of sage to enjoy!

The first of the Dahlias we saw...

More lovely plants will be in other posts!

Today's quote:

"The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery. There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, the solution comes to you and you don’t know how or why.”

Albert Einstein

Visitors at arboretum

 This was at the end of our morning...which I enjoyed immensely.  I came home and had a couple of new succulents to add to my new planters.

 My buddy, Helen.

Helen has a membership at the Arboretum in Asheville, so she invited me to share a morning with the flowers.  Many of them are changed by volunteers every month.  I remember the last time I visited the pots were full of tulips.  Next season I plan to go back!