HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - WALNEY POND

 A favorite spot when we come here. There is a bench under the trees which offers welcoming shade. 

No sign of the beaver, and the beaver lodge nearby looks a bit dismantled. I am wondering if they have moved on. 

We have been thoroughly entertained on previous trips (not the last few times) and have watched them swimming and diving under the water. They are herbivores and like to eat the leaves, shoots, roots and even the seed capsules of the waterlilies. You can see them at this link from our visit in July 2021, which is where I found the above photo.

Looking across from the other side of the pond. The pathway goes all the way around.

We were here on the 19th June. The weather was lovely. I think the temperature was about 80 degrees. F. (26 degrees C. (?)). The heat didn't bother me as it wasn't humid. My dear other half, being a southern Virginia lad his whole life, let's just say the more heat and humidity, the better he likes it. It is the humidity that will turn me into a puddle. (As I type this at 2.29 p.m. on 6-25-25, it is currently 93 degrees F. (34 degrees C.) and I hear thunder - a few degrees cooler than yesterday. For the next few days we will be having thunderstorms and showers, so I don’t think we will be going for walks.

I have started using my cell phone full-time for photo taking. When I need to get a closer look to something far away, I ask Gregg for the camera with the zoom lens. He uses it mostly because a) he enjoys taking photos too and b) it's a bit too heavy for me to carry. He jokingly tells me he is my porter/Jeeves. He bought me a shorter lanyard for my phone that goes around my wrist, and I hardly notice it when I am walking along, until I need that photo. 

The plant is a Common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). The buttonbush is moderately toxic to humans and toxins can be found in the entire plant. It is a native to the United States and is a magnet for pollinators. Besides the bee you will find butterflies and hummingbirds enjoying the buttonbush.

The following is called Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and native to the United States. It is found in marshes and along the borders of muddy ponds, which is where we found this one. I have only seen it grow in the wild but it can be cultivated for the garden or as a house plant. Also, it is non-toxic to humans and pets, not considered a weed and likes full sun. 

I always enjoy finding out the origins of plants name histories if I can. My plant app - PictureThis - says the name is a tribute to the 16th-century Italian botanist Giulio Pontedera. The genus name was given to recognize Pontedera's contributions to botany. 'Cordata' refers to the plant's heart-shaped leaves, with 'cordate' meaning heart-shaped in Latin. Commonly known as 'pickerelweed', it likely derives its name from its popularity as a hiding spot for pickerel, a type of fish, as they seek shelter amongst its leaves and stems in their natural aquatic habitat.

I have other photos but will share them another day.

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