This is my favorite spot at the pond. There is a bench under the shade of the trees, and this natural arbor sets the scene beautifully. It's a very restful place even though there is a road you can just see on the other side, that gets quite busy when people are coming home. There are a few other benches around the pond, and I make use of all of them. Each has a nice view across the water.
The Pickerelweed is appearing but no blooms yet. If you click on its name, you will be able to see what they look like.
This was the only Yellow flag iris I saw blooming that day. I am looking forward to going back and seeing more. They can bloom from April to August depending on what region they are in. It originated in Western Asia and Northwest Africa and is now considered a highly invasive species in over 40 U.S. states. Not a good plant as pretty as it is. Considered toxic to humans and livestock if ingested, and the sap can cause significant skin irritation or blistering upon contact, so best to wear gloves and long sleeves when handling it. Note to self as I found myself moving a leaf or two so that I could get a clearer view of the flower. Not doing that again and now we know! I didn't know about this particular plant being oblivious until finding out the information for today's post, but I do warn family and friends not to handle any plant when out and about along these paths. I need to take my own advice. I am usually more wary of such things.
A much better alternative to this Yellow flag iris apparently, is the Blue Flag Iris, which is a stunning native with violet-blue flowers that thrives in the same wet conditions.
Another bench is calling to me.
I have a wonderful time looking at all the new growth as I walk the path. In the photo above I tried to showcase the Common greenbrier. It is a native woody vine found throughout the easter half of North America, and ranges from Florida north into southern Ontario and Noa Scotia, and west to Texas and Oklahoma. While often considered a nuisance by hikers and gardeners due to its aggressive growth and sharp thorns, it is a vital part of the local ecosystem. I found much of my information about what I am sharing today online.
This is the Garlic mustard and is not a native plant in North America. It is originally from Europe and parts of Asia and was originally brought to the United States in the 1800s for herbal, medicinal and erosion control purposes.
I came across the Bush Honeysuckle which is the last plant I took photos of. I left links on the names for you to learn more if wanted.
The turtles are on a new wooden platform. They seemed to be enjoying the sun.
The last photo taken on that visit was the dog and her companion.
We were already in the car when we saw her, and driving back home shortly afterwards. I daresay we will be going again in a week or so.
I love honeysuckle, and even have some lotion that is honeysuckle scent. But my favorite is the beautiful big water lily with it's striking yellow veins.
ReplyDeleteMe too and I bet your lotion smells wonderful! I liked that water lily a lot too Ginny :) thank you!
DeleteLovely there and how interesting to see the turtles sunbaking.
ReplyDeleteLovely collection of photos, Denise.
Thank you Margaret, happy you enjoyed them :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. I love this time of year with all the new growth, the greenery just zings.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful time of the year, isn't it Jo? :) Thank you, glad you like the look of a favorite spot.
DeleteDanke für diesen wunderbaren Spaziergang, liebe Denise. Es ist so schön, draußen in der Natur zu sein, und wenn Sie einen besonders schönen Ort finden, sollten Sie ihn so oft wie möglich genießen.
ReplyDeleteDanke für den Tipp über die Iris; mir war nicht bewusst, dass sie Giftstoffe enthält... Ich werde das in Zukunft für meinen Garten im Hinterkopf behalten.
Herzliche Grüße, Viola
Auch dir vielen Dank, liebe Viola. Ich bin immer wieder überrascht darüber, welche Blumen und Pflanzen giftig sein können. Eine Lektion habe ich schon vor langer Zeit gelernt: Damals wollte mein Mann, dass ich einen Baum umarme. Ein Herr hörte das und warnte mich, vorsichtig zu sein – denn am Stamm rankte sich Eichengiftwein empor!!! Seither bin ich immer auf der Hut. :) Danke für deinen Besuch, und ich wünsche dir einen wunderschönen Mai! Herzliche Grüße, Denise
DeleteWhat a beautiful place that is. I could sit on a bench and watch the view all day.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I could happily stay for an hour or two on that bench :)
DeleteWhat a lovely place to wander and sit and watch. I like it when benches have been provided.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janice. There seem to be quite a few benches in all the parks I go to. Many of them have been donated by families, a tribute to loved ones who have passed on. Others they just donate them because of the love they have for the garden.
DeleteWhat a peaceful place. Love it.
ReplyDeleteIt is very peaceful, couldn't have put it better myself Regine :)
Deletewhat a lovely pond, and the turtle platform is such a super idea, we used to live near Inverness FL and there was a wonderful pond there, miss it today.
ReplyDeleteIf we ever moved away I would miss this place Linda, very much :) Many of these places I have been to, seem to have a platform for turtles, usually away from shore so they are not disturbed.
DeleteVery beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne :)
DeleteLove your photos from the pond! And I am with you about the benches, aren't they a nice spot to rest? Wondering, do you have a plant app on your phone? I do and it is quite good to identify the plants, but it is not 100% so you might have to still research when you get home. Happy trails! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay, they certainly are a lovely spot to rest. Yes, I do use a plant app, Picture This, it's a great teaching tool as eventually things sink in. I agree about it not being 100%. I check and recheck online to make sure I have my ID correct but am always happy for advice from blogging friends if anyone thinks I am incorrect. I appreciate your advice too so thanks again. Happy trails, I love that! xx
DeleteDo you remember Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? That was their theme song and Dale Evans wrote it!! What a marvelous woman!
DeleteYes I do, it was one of my favorite shows. They don’t make them like that any more , as the old saying goes :)
DeleteI would love to visit this park. What a gorgeous pond and the path looks super also. It's so nice to get out walking again, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThank you Erika, I am very happy you enjoyed Walney. Oh yes, it certainly is! I am very happy and at peace when I am out in nature :)
DeleteBy the way, loved your great book reviews. Thank you!
DeleteSuch a variety. I hadn't known about that yellow iris. I am not aware of that plant here.
ReplyDeleteThanks John, it's amazing what is in abundance right now. Can't wait until the year progresses :)
DeleteThis is a wonderfully romantic spot with the water lilies and everything else you see there! The water turtles basking in the sun!I didn't know that this yellow lily was poisonous either.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I had such a relaxing day!
hugs Elke
Thank you dear Elke, I appreciate your kind words. Hugs, Denise
DeleteAmazing that you know all those green plants..I don't recognize anything except that iris. It is truly a beautiful and relaxing place.
ReplyDeleteThank you Angie, much appreciated :) I have a very good plant app on my phone.
DeleteLovely x 100. I enjoyed each photo the turtles sunning gave me a giggle
ReplyDeleteHugs cecilia
Kind of you to say Cecilia, thank you. Those turtles gave me a giggle too. Hugs, Denise
DeleteSo green and springy! Such a great spot to visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen, it is all as you describe :)
DeleteLovely photos
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteWonderful photos Denise. Nature is the best :-D
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that, thank you so much Ananka, and it certainly is :)
DeleteBeautiful photographs, and I can understand why the first one is your favourite spot at the pond.
ReplyDeleteHappy midweek wishes.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, it is a wonderful place to sit for a spell, so peaceful! Happy midweek wishes and all the best to you also, Denise :)
DeleteI am sure I could wile away some happy hours there, Denise.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you could David, the thought makes me smile. I know you would love it :)
DeleteThank you for such a great post today. Most of us like plants and flowers but don't know much about them.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Red and I am very happy you enjoyed it :)
DeleteDenise - what a beautiful place you have found - we have nothing like that here, nor would I know the names of all those plants.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandie, we had lived here a couple of years before we found out about it and it is the closest place to our home. We never tire of going there. I have help with the plants thanks to my cell phone plant app. It's been a good teacher because some of those ID's have stuck over the last couple of years I have been using it, and what doesn't stick, it's great for a refresher course because it holds all the plants I have ID'd in the past. Easy to look them up :)
DeleteA lovely place to chill out.
ReplyDeleteVery! Thanks Diane :)
DeleteHello Denise,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views of the pond, I love the flowers, the yellow iris is a favorite.
Take care, have a great day!
Hello Eileen, thank you very much, it is a beautiful flower :) You take care and have a great day also.
DeleteIt is wonderful seeing all the new growth. So heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteCouldn’t agree more, thanks Jenn :)
DeleteWhat a lovely place to walk or sit. I hope you didn’t get any skin irritation from touching the leaf of that plant.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful place for a leisurely walk. No, I was lucky and didn't have a problem but thank you very much for the concern :) I appreciate that!
DeleteIsn't it wonderful to see spring waking up. Leaves filling in, pretty new blooms! It sounds like a wonderful walk!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is Jeanie. My favorite time of the year :)
DeleteI knew that yellow flag Iris was considered invasive, but I didn’t know that it was allergenic. I remember getting scratched by greenbriars when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteStinging nettles was my thing :) Always amazed how toxic some of these flowers are.
Delete