GREEN SPRING GARDENS

This is a continuation of a visit to Green Spring Gardens, when we went to find the ponds we had just learned about.  If you missed the Great Blue Heron catching his huge fish, you can see it here. 

If you are in the area and would like to visit, when you enter the parking lot I would suggest you park your car as far to the left as you can.  You will walk down a hill to the left.  In fact, there is a sign pointing you in the right direction.

You can read more information at this link. The photo below shows you the Springhouse Cottage.

Just across the narrow road is a four-chamber structure that is extremely old.  They certainly don't want you going closer and hurting yourself.  An iron fence surrounds it, preventing the curious from further exploration.

If you go to this link you will learn more.

Finally we sighted the first pond. It was really beautiful. Overlooking them are Sycamores and Pines. At this time of day we felt the natural light was super, earlier would have been even better.  A good reason not to go when the sun is glaring right overhead.  We keep having to tell ourselves this.

Here you can see the gazebo. We sat there for a while, chatted and took in the pretty scenery.  

This lovely lantana bush was blooming right next to the gazebo.

There is a pathway that goes through a wooded area and I came across a familiar wildflower, the Jewelweed.  Its scientific name is Impatiens capensis.  You can learn more about it at this link.

As best as I could identify, the following plant is called Ironweed, scientific name Vernonia fasciculata.  There is a website here for more info.

It is a member of the aster family.

I am not an expert at identifying flowers but try my best.  If you think I am incorrect please let me know.  I welcome all the help I can get.

Everywhere is very lush and green, with lots of wildflowers along our walk.  I found the Cardinal flower.  Its scientific name is Lobelia cardinalis L, link here. 

In the photo below you can see the Blue Cardinal flower, scientific name Lobelia siphilitica. I have never noticed this one before and it is new to me.

There are many wildflower websites online as you can imagine, but one of my favorites is at the US Wildflower's Database here.

We came across a tree where people had carved out their initials into the trunk.  I felt a twinge when I saw this.  I guess you could call me a tree hugger.  I think a much nicer way to show how much you love someone is to go and plant one somewhere and watch it grow, along with your relationship.  What say you or am I just an old fuddy-duddy?  Probably!  However, there is an interesting article on tree carvings here.

There were benches in all the right places.  This one was at the top of a steep hill in the shade of those beautiful trees. 

I enjoyed looking at the Black-eyed Susan's (Rudbeckia hirta).  They were everywhere and the hoverflies seemed to enjoy them.  Not that clear a photo below but at least I can see what it looks like.  They look like a bee but have only one set of wings, and they cannot sting.

I always seem to have a lot of photos whenever we go out, but I'll share more another time.

It looks like we are going to be in for thunder storms over the next several days.  The gardens will love it.  

The first day of September today, wow!  

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your day.