GREEN SPRING GARDENS - 3-2-22 - PART 3

After leaving the pond we walk along a wooded trail that will eventually lead us up to the flatter part of the garden.  First, however, we walk across the bridge over a stream. I heard the crows in the trees and looking up I was mesmerized with that pretty blue sky and the puffy clouds.  It was a great day for walking.

In the next photo we are looking back at a steep incline, which is hardly discernible in this photo.  Out of sight is the bridge we have just crossed.  We usually sit on a bench for a few minutes when we reach the top.  Earlier, as we stopped on the bridge with the woodland stream below, a nice couple chatted to us for a few minutes.  We were all glad to be out in the sunshine.

 They have done a lot of work since our last visit, removing old fallen trees and underbrush, getting ready for the warmer months.  When we get to the top of the hill and turn left, there are several small gardens set aside.  I look forward to seeing it when the flowers start blooming, and always appreciate what I know must be incredibly hard work throughout the year.  Kudos to the staff and volunteers.

In each little garden area, there are hanging stars.

They have been there since before our last visit, but on reflection and, because of the colors, they make me think of what is going on in Ukraine.  As many of us know by now, blue and yellow are the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which is symbolic of blue skies over golden wheat fields. I hope with all my heart that peace comes to them very soon.  

Just before we get to the gazebo, I turn left on the grassy area, and look for the plant I was so taken with the last time we were here.

Here it is, Edgeworthia chrysanthia.  I talked about it in more detail in this post.

It's coming along...

and you can see the flowers starting to appear.  The very nice manager I met on our last visit, told me that it would probably be blooming in mid-March, so we will be going back again next week.

It is such an interesting bloom.  This website will give you more information.  If you click on the thumbnails at the bottom of its page, you will see more detail in the larger photo.

Whenever we have approached the gazebo, it normally has people sitting inside.  

Today the seats were empty and we had it to ourselves.  

It is a very nice place to sit for a few moments.  There is a wheelchair ramp and we took it to avoid the steps.

Nearby were blooms from a small Camellia plant.  Camellias are native to Eastern and Southern Asia.  They can be seen as small trees or shrubs, and are an evergreen.  I read here that they are from the family Theaceae, the tea family.  It says that our iced tea comes from the Camellia plant?

This is a globe sculpture on a small post next to the gazebo.  There is a metal plate at its base with a family's name.  

I have always enjoyed its design.

The Helibores are blooming.  We have a couple of these in our own garden and I am hoping they have survived

I tried a reverse shot of one holding my cell phone underneath.  You can see me trying to keep out of frame on the left, not quite succeeding.  The Helibore belongs to the buttercup family.  There are around 20 species and it originated from Europe and Asia.  It was extensively used as an herbal remedy in the past but due to its high toxicity, it is mostly cultivated for ornamental purposes today.

Lovely to see these purple crocus.  Did you know that Saffron is a product of the crocus?  If I ever knew that fact, I had forgotten. Each plant produces three red stigmas, which are dried and then used for coloring or seasoning in dishes like paella. It is one of the most expensive and precious spices on the planet.

These are all the photos I took on this latest trip to Green Springs.  I will be going back very soon.

Thank you for looking and 

have a great weekend.