The theme of the small garden area above, seen as we leave the visitor center and enter the main garden, has changed several times over the years. For the first time they added a small desert oasis.
This is the Valgenau Conservatory, a 1,200 square foot glass building. There is an article about its opening at this link, from October 2020.
It was a surprise to see this new construction since the last time we visited. At the article's website it says "it is equipped with heaters and automated ventilation windows, will be open for public entry with a focus on Mediterranean plants; plants that thrive in a warmer climate. Public school students are expected to visit frequently to learn about horticulture, geography, and the importance of plants in our environment." 
As we headed down the hill, towards the bottom of the garden, we spotted this beauty on our left. It is the first time we have ever seen a deer at Meadowlark. The garden has a tall, surrounding fence and a lady who saw us looking, wondered how she had gotten inside.
We didn't get too close and she was mostly obscured. She didn't seem to be bothered that we were taking photos, and looked up a couple of times before retreating into the trees.
She was a wonderful surprise.
I spotted a Skipper on the bud of a Crimsoneyed rose-mallow (botanical name Hibiscus moscheutos).
Below is a bloom not long from opening among the Hardy banana plant (botanical name Musa basjoo).
Flight of fancy here, the flower looks like a skirt made out of crepe. It would look good on one of those fairies I posted about here.
There were Common milkweeds aplenty...
and Milkweed bugs.
Next is the American spikenard (Aralia racemosa).
Our walk continues around the garden, and I will share those photos soon.
Thank you for looking and I hope your day is a great one.
Yur photos are so vibrant today!! And I agree about the flower looking like acrepe skirt.
ReplyDeleteHi Ginny, the vegetation lately looks amazing! I see it with my own eyes and enjoy it afterwards in the photos we take :) Yay on the crepe skirt!
DeletePretty place with flowers. The deer is sweet and what great green house.
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret, happy you enjoyed :)
DeleteWhat a delightful fellow visitor to these beautiful gardens.
ReplyDeleteCertainly was, we were absolutely delighted!
DeleteWell done, lovely set of photos. Sorry I am not keeping up with blogs and comments just so much going on. Lots to do in the garden and I have not had time to process photos that I have taken, I am getting backlogged!!
ReplyDeleteHope all is well, take care, Diane
Thank you Diane, and no worries on the backlog. You can come here when you have some free time, whether it be now or later. I know how much time you invest in your garden and it is a beautiful one :) All is well thank you and you take care also.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. That building is pretty impressive. That deer sure was a nice surprise.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, thank you, it is one of our favorite gardens and is so close relatively speaking. The deer was icing on the cake ;)
DeleteI am loving the spotted skipper on that beautiful yellow flower! And what a wonderful glass building they built it almost looks good enough to live in. Glad to hear that you got out again
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, and I hope all is well in your world :) I'll be visiting real soon to see. Yes it was good to get out and the place had a lot of people there but the garden is large enough to give us all a lot of space.
DeleteWonderful series Denise. The new conservatory is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day and happy week ahead!
Thank you Eileen, it surely is. You have a great day and happy continued week :)
DeleteIt's good to get out during covid or after covid.
ReplyDeleteHi Red, it certainly is :) and good to get some exercise while seeing these lovely sights.
DeleteLovely place.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne, glad you liked it :)
DeleteHello Denise,
ReplyDeleteYet another wonderful descriptive post, I almost felt as if I was walking with you, so Lucky in seeing the deer.
Best Wishes,
John
Thank you John, very happy you enjoyed and yes, I was so lucky :) Best wishes to you too.
DeleteLovely gardens.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine, it certainly is :)
DeleteI'm in love with that beautiful conservatory, Denise! Surrounded by such lovely gardens must have been a wonderful spot to take a stroll. The deer surely made it a magical day for you!
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful place isn't it Martha Ellen? Yes, that deer definitely made the day for me :)
DeleteHow lovely to see the deer :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
It certainly was :) Thank you Jan and all the best to you too.
DeleteYour photos are always so beautiful, Denise.
ReplyDeleteThe deer was a lovely surprise!
Thank you Veronica, so kind of you to say :) And the deer was definitely a lovely surprise.
DeleteThank you for sharing the garden.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Linda, and thank you :)
DeleteThat deer is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100 percent. Thanks William :)
DeleteNice to see the garden through your camera lens!
ReplyDeleteI am happy to share my photos with you Ellen, thank you :)
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