MORE FROM GREEN SPRING GARDENS - 6-3-23

There is always a lovely display of flowers in the border before you actually go into the garden.  These are right next to the parking lot.  We had parked outside of the gate this day as we didn't want to be locked inside after the 5 o’clock closing time.  We arrived at 4.15 p.m. and knew our walk would take well over an hour.  

Margaret mentioned about the early closing time.  I agree Margaret, it does seem way too early, especially for a Saturday.  I am wondering, however, if they are short of staff and volunteers.  We can still walk around but I expect the visitor center closes also, and probably the old historical house, and the garden center where you can buy plants.  Not 100 percent sure but something to check out later.  Perhaps as we get more into summer, the hours will be extended.  It is a time I love going, not only for the light but for it being quieter.  I can't say I have ever found it too crowded though.)

I noticed the above as we walked down the hill toward the ponds.  They were small and newly planted, lush and vibrant.  Especially pretty as the water sprinklers had just given them a good dowsing.  I look forward to seeing their progress on future trips.

This is the bench we sit on right next to the first pond.  It is rarely occupied and it is where we watch the activity on and under the surface of the pond.  I enjoy reading the dedications, donated by family members in memory of their loved ones.  You've probably seen them in your own public gardens.  This one has been placed in a lovely spot and I mentally thank this family each time we visit, also thinking of their parents who enjoyed Green Spring Gardens as much as we do now.

We have seen a Great Blue Heron across the other side of the pond, usually fishing.  It hasn't been there for a while, and I hope it will surprise us one day.  We noticed several turtles.  This one came close to the water's edge.  They sometimes climb out onto the grass or park themselves on a hot rock to sun themselves.  Many still had a lot of mud covering their shells.  Unlike cold-blooded animals they don't hibernate but when winter arrives, freshwater turtles will dive down to the muddy bottom of ponds where the temperature never gets below 33.8 degrees F. (1°C). As they nestle in the mud, their metabolism slows down. This allows them to survive for months without food and with very little oxygen. 

There were two ladies standing several feet away and they started chatting to us.  They overheard me talking to Gregg about the turtles.  One lady knew quite a lot about them, and she was telling me some things that quite frankly I couldn't hear.  The gist of it I think, is that when I said to my dear other half, I wondered if people fed them because it seemed to me several swam in our direction, this is when she joined in our conversation.  'She and me' were of like minds about not feeding animals and birds human food.  In fact, there is a sign at the beginning of the pond walk, not to feed any of the wildlife.  I ended up saying to these ladies yes, nature's food is the best, which caused the one nearest me to smile and nod in agreement.   

Why is it we don't say "Pardon me but I can't hear properly?  What did you say?" and I nod like a bobble head, and probably look very silly.  Gregg smiles when I say I don't want to be a bother.  He's been listening to that for the last 47 years off and on and yes, we're both smiling.  I just go home and read up on these things but still thank those who share their knowledge when we are out and about, which I can usually hear.  Next time I should have no problem.  

There was a family at the second pond, and daddy was showing his son the turtles.  There are fish in the pond also.  

We had another friend visit us.  More on friend in another post.

By this time we had already met the man with his Mexican Hairless Dogs - you can look here if you missed that post.  We were at the other end of the pond, near the edge where the ground is muddy.  I noticed a bee and from what I found on line at this link, it is probably a mason bee.  I read: "Because mud is vital for mason bee reproduction, females will not nest if they do not have a reliable source nearby (within 25 sq. ft.). However, not just any mud will do! Mason bees prefer to use mud with a high clay content - or that is the consistency of modeling clay. Mud that is damp with a high clay content allows the female to mold the mud to fit her nest perfectly; as the mud dries, it creates a strong protective barrier from predators.  Mud with a high sand content is more likely to break apart when it dries, which opens the door to predators."  You can read more at the link above and also see how to help these very important pollinators.

I finish off today's post with a rare photo of me about to enter the wood, with Gregg walking ahead.  The path eventually takes us across a stream.  We then walk up a hill to the more level part of the garden where it is more manicured.  I took more photos to be posted later.

Thanks for visiting and I hope your day is a great one.