First of all, a wedding scene. I blurred the faces and we were quite a distance away. What I did want to see was this young bride's wedding dress, which I thought was charming. I also liked the lady's outfit (groom's mother I'm assuming). When we have been to the garden in the past, we have often seen a bride and groom having their photos taken. 
Later as we walked back to the visitor center, the wedding party had moved on and we focused on the large chess set. This is a new addition since we last visited.
The small pom-pom flowers are Globe amaranth but for the moment I am concentrating on the little bird I saw resting on the wooden framework, which I shared in yesterday’s post.
I didn't know until later in life how many kinds of sparrows there were. I think perhaps this is a House Sparrow?
I was able to take several photos and she was still resting when we continued our walk.
I took another photo of the Globe amaranth before we moved on. It is very delicate.
The Panicled Hydrangeas were a bit passed their peak...
but still very pretty...
with a few in full bloom.
and then there were the Red spider lilies, but more on them next time.
When we got home I noticed a Goldfinch making use of the bird bath.
The birds - and squirrels - seem to be enjoying it, not all at once thankfully.
The bird bath is a relatively new purchase. It came as a kit with a fountain feature. Once our feathered friends got used to the water shooting up in the air, I could see they were enjoying it. They drink, they bathe, and sometimes they just like to perch to keep an eye on their surroundings. It is solar. When the sun is on the attachment, the fountain shoots water almost two feet up in the air. If clouds appear it gets lower and finally when the sun goes in, it stops completely. It gets cleaned and refilled daily.
The birds are not the only ones it keeps entertained. The woman inside with the camera has a lot of fun too.
More from the garden very soon.
Thank you for stopping by, and I wish you all
A Very Happy Wednesday!
I am very interested to hear about the Red Spider Plants. We have something called Spider Plants here, but they are pale pink. Yes, that does look like a female House Sparrow. The chess set is something else!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginny :) those Red Spider Plants are gorgeous and was the first time I had seen this color. Like you I am more familiar with the pale pinks. The first time I saw one this size was in Germany several years ago, in a pretty park. They are light enough to move around considering their size. There may be one other over here that I saw but it has been a long time and I can't remember where. This one took me by surprise as it wasn't there when we visited, but again that was a while ago too, several months.
DeleteWhat a lovely spot for a wedding - or a walk. Birds bathing is something that never fails to delight me.
ReplyDeleteIt is Sue and yes me too on bathing birds :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful place for a wedding. Her dress is very pretty. Love those globe amaranth. That giant chess set is pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann, there was a lot to see that day :)
DeleteLovely photos and a nice place to have photos taken of ones wedding.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are sweet and the house sparrow one is really lovely - well done Denise.
Thank you Margaret, many visuals to take photos at this park, every time we go :)
DeleteLove all the flowers and bird shots! SO peaceful!
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
That's great, thank you Donna and sending hugs :)
DeleteThe wedding pic is harmonious. The bird pics are always pleasing from your post.
ReplyDeleteSo glad, thank you Roentare :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful backdrop for the wedding photos. I have a few bird baths in the garden, I love to watch the birds taking a bath, so comical with their wet feathers ruffled. I do like the sound of the solar bird bath, I shall look out for one of those.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo, it certainly was :) If you already have a few bird baths, you can buy the separate attachment. I bought mine at Amazon and you can put the following in your subject line.
DeleteVIVOHOME Polyresin Antique Outdoor Green Garden Bird Bath and Solar Powered Round Pond Fountain Combo Set
Beautiful images from your garden walk. Love the birds and the flowers. Take care, have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, happy you think so :) You take care and have a happy day also.
DeleteMeadowlark Gardens looks like a perfect venue for a wedding. Love the new bird bath, I am going to have to look into one of those solar ones.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jim and Barb :) It's a lovely area for such things. If you look at the comment I made to Jo above, you can see what I bought. I'm surprised how long that solar attachment keeps going. I thought it would have given out by now. I bought an extra one for that possibility, but it's been over a month now of continuous use and I haven't had to exchange it yet.
Deletelove that fountain and giggled at the woman inside with the camera. so ME. the hydrangeas are so pretty, I can see each small part of the flower. playing that chess game would be good for the mind and for excercise moving those big pieces.
ReplyDeleteSmiling here Sandra :) and I agree totally on the chess set moves.
DeleteI love weddings
ReplyDeleteHappy events for sure :)
DeleteVery interesting place . No wonder you return again and again.
ReplyDeleteExactly, thanks Red :)
DeleteI love seeing those little goldfinches. They work hard on a flower pulling out the seeds, I love watching them do that. Lovely garden walk taking in beautiful nature.
ReplyDeleteThey're a sweet little bird aren't they Betsy? :) I love this garden for the reason you describe.
DeleteI love the wedding outfits, too. Beautiful. I never heard of such a bird bath. Very unusual.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gigi and as for the bird bath, they are getting more and more popular here.
DeleteThis was another nice outdoor trek, Denise, with lovely captures of both humans and birdlife. The bird bath with the fountain feature must have seemed unusual to the wildlife and sure it provides lots of entertainment.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was Dorothy, and you get quite a workout as there is a long hill to walk down and to climb. The birds do love that fountain now. They are fun to see :)
DeletePiękne fotografie. Uwielbiam wróble to miłe ptaszki. Udanego dnia życzę:)
ReplyDeleteDziękuję bardzo i całkowicie się zgadzam. Czuję to samo :)
DeleteHappy Wednesday to you as well, Denise! How nice to see the wedding party all ready for photos. Her dress is lovely. I really like the sleeves on her gown. What nice flowers are still blooming on your visit to the garden. The globe amaranth is so pretty! And your bird bath is delightful--so nice that it's solar powered. Have fun viewing your feathered friends enjoying your generosity.
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen, it was a perfect day for a wedding. Not too hot and beautifully sunny. I was surprised to see how many flowers were still blooming, and yes, I have been watching the birds today :)
DeleteThis looks like a beautiful place and I noticed it said they even have a butterfly garden in September.
ReplyDeleteI have a birthday coming up soon, so am going to request we visit it for my birthday outing.
It is a lovely place Sandra :) As for you going there, I need to tell you that there is a very long hill to walk down, and to climb up which can be challenging. One of the reasons I haven't been back in a while since I had problems with walking distances. There are benches everywhere to rest but just wanted to make you aware of that. You can call the garden and I am sure they will give you good information.
Deletehttps://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens
Phone: (703) 255-3631
Fees: $3 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $6 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under.
What a beautiful garden -- and a lovely venue for a wedding, too!
ReplyDeleteIt is Jeanie, thank you :)
DeleteLovely post! I loved the bride's dress and mother of groom dress too! What beautiful flowers and birds you have shown us! Funny thing, I just wrote about the swimming pool that I have in my backyard...but it is the little dish that I have on my tiny patio for the birds! Also, red spider lilies- I love seeing them pop up in September!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay :) That’s so interesting. I shall enjoy seeing your post.
DeleteI quite like the bird bath! What a great new asset to your garden.
ReplyDeleteA perfect description Jenn, it certainly is :)
DeleteWhat a charming spot for a wedding!
ReplyDeleteThat giant chess set is so cool!
Hugs and blessings, Denise
Thank you Veronica Lee, I thought so too. Hugs and blessings to you also :)
Deletehahahaha...this woman inside would be entertained as well!! water, is just as important as food to our little birds!!
ReplyDeleteawesome pictures of the gardens and birds. the bride looks so sweet, well her dress anyway!!
Smiling here, thank you Debbie and totally agree.
DeleteThe birds are a delight!
ReplyDeleteAlways, I agree :) Thanks William!
DeleteLovely birds! I don’t worry about blurring faces unless they are children. People who are hiding from someone are not out in public places, or if they are, they wear dark glasses or a mask.
ReplyDeleteA good point Linda, thank you :)
Delete