LAST OF THE MEADOWLARK GARDENS PHOTOS, TIL NEXT TIME

If you go here you will be able to read the history of Meadowlark Gardens.  Below my post today is the label you can click on - Meadowlark_Gardens_Vienna_VA - that will show you the others I shared, not only on this particular visit but on others throughout the lifetime of this blog.  

The marker near the flowers above identified them as Contorted Quince.

Below a Star Magnolia and Glory of the Snow

Daffodils and Primula

Daffodils and Anemones

Crocus

Below left to right: Winter Hazel, Flowering Quince and Dutchman's Breeches.

A closer look at Winter Hazel.

This is one of my favorite parts of the walk.  Okay I have many favorites, but I love this area among the trees.  

Next is the old springhouse and we pass it towards the end of our walk, the way we go anyhow, always taking a clockwise route from the visitor center.  


Part of the inscription reads as follows: in the old days springhouses did the job of refrigerators.  This springhouse served the occupants of the farm from the 18th through the early 20th centuries.  

It was built directly over the spring and shaded by trees.  Cool spring water flowing into the structure was channeled through troughs of different depths before flowing out the other side.  Whitewashing inside and out sealed the loosely mortared, thick stone walls, and provided a clean surface on the interior.  Barred vents in the side walls allowed fresh air to circulate and keep out freeloading animals.


Even in the summer, dairy goods, fresh produce and other perishables could last several days in watertight containers partially submerged in the troughs.  Less perishable foods such as salted or smoked meat, pickles, cider and wine, were stored up in the loft space and on shelves built into the walls.  The spring also provided water for drinking and washing for the house, located to the north, up the hill and behind the barn.

When Gardiner Means and Caroline Ware installed electricity in the 1930s, they pumped spring water up to the house.  A refrigerator and sink replaced most of the functions of the springhouse.  The springhouse ruins were stabilized in 1996. 

We are back at the visitor center now.  Below you will see more photos taken around the garden.   

 And now a painting by one of the many talented local artists.  There are several others.  The visitor center is also a wonderful art gallery and they are all for sale.

 I say goodbye to Sunshine and tell him I'll stop by next time.

We are outside now and heading back to the car.  It's been a great walk.  I am looking forward to seeing what other flowers will be growing the next time we go.  Time in the garden among all these beautiful spring blooms has been very uplifting.

Thanks so much for following me along to Meadowlark Gardens, and I hope your day is a great one.