HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE TODAY IS…

 

My heart finds its home

Where butterflies kiss the flowers

And the soft bees hum

For our overseas friends to translate:

The collage of three above reads: 

“Today is a Good Day for Flowers.”

My sign-off signature reads:

“Have a wonderful day and thanks for visiting.

Denise”

MEETING A NICE COUPLE ON OUR WALK - GREEN SPRING GARDENS CONTINUED...

Gregg dropped me off in front of the visitor center as I wanted to see what the children's garden had added. We hadn't been there for a while. He caught up with me half-way along the path. I am slow and also like to take photos of flowers along the way (and feathers as you can see in my last post). 

We were also going to check out the area where they grow produce, and it was there that we started chatting to this really delightful couple, B. and T., I'll call them. I could tell right away that they were good people, very friendly and very interesting to listen to. We must have chatted for half-an-hour. 

On impulse and after the half an hour, just before we were going to go our separate ways, I asked them if they would mind if I took a photo of them. Thankfully they were very happy to do that. I only ask if I feel comfortable with people, and we certainly felt very comfortable with each other. 

Now, this is where I am kicking myself. I said I would be happy to send them the photos and there's me thinking of a piece of paper and a pen to write their number down, which I couldn't find. I still like my trusty ballpoint pen and small notebook.

B said I could text it to them and suggested putting it down in my iPhone which I did - I thought - but wouldn't you know it, when I got home to do just that, I couldn't find the blessed phone number that I thought I had put into my contacts. 

I did give them a card I had made up for those times people have asked me in the past - yes rare but they stick with me - to take photos of them and their children and sometimes visiting relatives who have asked that please could we send it to them - so on a whim I gave B one of my cards with my email and blog printed on it. 

So...B & T, if you read this and didn't get those photos I promised to send you, this is why. I am hoping that you will read this as we had talked about my blog, and please send me an email or write a message on my comments so that I can send these photos to you. They turned out lovely and I dearly would love to send them. We so very much enjoyed our conversation with you both.

I think that's enough for today as I have an uncomfortable headache, which is a sure sign than I need to get off here.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Thursday.

Wishing you all sunshine and flowers.

BIRD OF A FEATHER...

 I didn't have any time to sort my photos from the garden today. Instead, I chose two to share, one of a feather I found on the stony path in front of the visitor center at the garden. It was about one-and-a-half inches long and didn't exactly stand out. I was surprised I noticed. Maybe because I was staring down at my feet as I walked, and saw it flutter perhaps.

I like how the photo turned out. One of those artsy ones I do by accident. Does anyone know what kind of bird this comes from? I checked on here and it suggested a Great Horned Owl. I don't think so! One of the smaller birds I thought. But who am I? No expert, that's for sure.

Today we were running a few errands. I got my hair cut first thing. I always feel much better for a tidy up. I have been going to this lady at the Hair Cuttery for years, and she always does a great job. 

We went for our once-a-week fast food lunch; the day changes sometimes. Our choice this week was Chick Fil-A. Gregg gets chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese. I like their grilled chicken sandwich and waffle fries. We usually go through the drive-thru and it was jam packed, but there were four young people going up and down the two lanes of cars, taking everyone's order. We were told to follow 'that grey Honda Civic please', also in line. By the time we get to the window, the food is ready for pick-up. From a hefty, long line, we had our meal within minutes. A smooth transition, almost feels like we are on a conveyer belt. These young people are friendly and polite. You can tell it's part of their training and it all adds to a very smooth and pleasant experience. We found our spot and had our car picnic.

So here we are, time to go upstairs for the night. Another fast day! 

I will leave you with this:

"The robin flew from his swinging spray of ivy on to the top of the wall and he opened his beak and sang a loud, lovely trill, merely to show off. Nothing in the world is quite as adorably lovely as a robin when he shows off - and they are nearly always doing it."

Frances Hodgson Burnett 

from "The Secret Garden" 

published in 1910 and again in 1911.

Have a great day everyone,

and thanks for visiting.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE!

GREEN SPRING GARDENS NEAR THE PONDS ON THURSDAY, MAY 7TH, 2026

This is another favorite place we like to walk, as I have mentioned many times before. The ponds are down the hill from that flat area of the gardens, where we normally go. We used to make a loop at one time, where we would park our car, and start from the flat area, walk down a very steep hill (which is on the other side of the green area and not the one in the picture above though it's steep enough), cross a small bridge and make our way towards the ponds from the opposite end, and then go back up the hill (above photo) to the parking lot. Nowadays Gregg drops me off at the bottom and I have been wanting to go back to this area for a long time. 

There is a road with an electronic barrier for a private home opposite this part of the garden, so we can't park. However, there is access for pedestrians to get to the ponds.  I'm just very happy to be back there and I like looking at the private garden also. The birdhouse has been a fixture there for years.

There are three ponds, two large ones and one very small pond which we often forget about. Not next time! I have already showed you the first one covered in algae, and the turtles. I will mainly concentrate on the second pond this time, with perhaps a few of the first one I shared. 

We were able to sit in the gazebo for a little while. Usually it has others enjoying its shade. The carpet of algae looks like grass in this photo. We saw a fish jump, creating a large circle opening of clear water, and then just as quickly it closed up.  There was a cardinal sitting on the rail as we approached. You will see a little small red in the middle. No time for a decent photo. He was away into the trees.

Below you can see the interesting patterns it created. 

I took a photo of Gregg who was very interested in them too. I share quite a few of his photos here today. Neither of us have ever seen this much algae on the pond before. It looked extraordinary and wondering what it's doing to the turtles and to the fish and any other life in that pond. Hopefully with aeration and the water fountain, it will be a different story when we go back.

On our way to the second pond...

We walk around and I took photo of the only Canada Goose I saw that day. I was wondering if this one's mate was on a nest somewhere hidden. If you look on the left you can see another turtle resting on a log near the water lilies.

I also took photos of a few plants and flowers getting here.

The new growth leaves of the Black walnut was the first thing that caught my eye.

Above is the Golden alexander. I have put a link on all the flowers and plants for more information. Just click on their names.

The glossy ridged plant above is the August lily.

The plant on top of the August lily is called Cleavers.

Above is the Sawtooth blackberry and next...

The Ohio spiderwort was my favorite of the day. 

but on second thoughts I think it ties with the Siberian iris. 

Just a thought. If anyone thinks I have the ID wrong on any of these, please let me know. I would be happy for you to do that as I want to get things correct. 

One last look at our Canada Goose and the turtle.

That's all from our latest trip to Green Spring Gardens until next time.

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

TEACHING THE LITTLE ONE YOGA...

 and being ignored.

Recently we returned to Green Spring Gardens to walk around the ponds. We were surprised to see the green algae covering the first pond, but the turtles were out and about. 

I have seen the stretched-out leg pose several other times. I read that it is how they regulate their body temperature and absorb essential nutrients from the sun. It's called basking, where a turtle climbs out of the water onto a log or rock to soak up heat and light. It has been called 'turtle yoga'. 

By spreading their legs and widening their feet, turtles increase the amount of skin exposed to the sun, allowing them to absorb heat more quickly and efficiently. Sunlight also provides vital UVB rays that help turtles produce Vitamin D3. It is necessary for them to process calcium, which maintains a strong and healthy shell. 

As ectotherms (cold-blooded animals), turtles rely on external heat to fuel their metabolism, support their immune system, and aid in digestion. Stretching helps the turtle's skin and shell dry completely, which is necessary for proper shedding and helps eliminate external parasites. When a turtle feels safe and comfortable in its environment, it will "sploot" or fully extend its limbs as a sign of complete relaxation.

I am very thankful to be able to find all this information online. I have always enjoyed seeing turtles my whole life, another wonderful part of nature.

I am wondering how green algae affects them? I will be finding out about that soon and in the meantime, if any of you have any knowledge of such things, I would be very happy if you care to share.

Thanks for looking and 

I hope your day is a great one.

GREEN SPRING GARDENS CONTINUED FROM VISIT ON 4-4-26

Here are a few things to know about a tulip's symbolism, if you enjoy knowing these things.

Red tulips are used to declare "believe me" or show passionate love, often given in early relationships.

Being given various tulips symbolize fresh starts, making them popular for Easter or new endeavors.

Yellow tulips are given to brighten someone's day, representing sunshine, happiness and hope.

Pink tulips are ideal for conveying affection, tenderness and appreciation, often given on Mother's Day.

Purple tulips often represent admiration or respect.

White tulips are given to express sincere apologies or peace.

Orange symbolizes energy, desire and enthusiasm.

Black symbolizes power, strength and elegance.

There were also daffodils left, and some of the Tulips had opened fully. The Peony which is another particular favorite, and Johnny Jump-ups, also known as Wild pansy or just Pansy (in the collage above, top middle. I am trying to ID everything even though I know many of us recognize immediately).

There was also a nice showing of Grape hyacinth and I like this were they surrounded the Maltese cross plant, and I see a couple of pansies in there too. Not sure what the leaves are at the bottom left.

These could be Jonquils. I don't know enough about them to recognize the difference.

There are two ID's in one photo below. A Wild daffodil and Japanese spiraea. 

I have left links on all the flowers to take you to places where they will have more information.

That’s all from the garden until the next time we go.

Thanks for visiting 

and I wish you a great day!