FAIRY GARDEN AT MEADOWLARK GARDENS

Well, from yesterday's blog post on bees, to fairies today. We were at Meadowlark Gardens on Wednesday, May 7th. It felt good being back as it is the first time this year. I walked around the fairy garden next to the visitor center. It was a real tonic to see them. There were old and new, they gave many smiles. 

The flying pig taking a rest from his flying schedule is always a welcome sight for the fairies, and for me. No doubt he has been busy these days. In this fairy world they enjoy telling him about what they have been doing between his flights.

The gnomes too! They always hold the welcome sign out.

This little dragon...

is about to take his first flight and join Flying Pig in the sky…

and the gnome told the little dragon to be very careful. Mr. Gnome has been taking care of him since he was a wee egg. 

The fairy on the snail nodded in agreement.

As did the other.

This is a similar photo to the one I took the other day. There were two different shades of Columbine growing next to each other.

The old shoe has been around for many years…

as have these fairy houses.

This one even has a bird house on its roof.

Some of the fairies were having a quiet snooze. It had been raining hard so all were a bit muddy. 

What a pretty leaf! I haven't seen one like it in this part of the garden before. In fact, the fairy garden has filled in quite a bit with plants and bushes. It is called Caladium, and also Elephant Ear with thanks to Linda at Linda’s Relaxing Lair - thanks for that ID Linda - botanical name Caladium bicolor. I found more interesting information, "Wild caladium has evolved with a deceptive defense mechanism. The plant's bright leaves signal toxins to ward off hungry insects - biodiversity's version of a 'do not eat' sign. Additionally, Wild caladium can hibernate, with leaves wilting in tough climates, giving it the illusion of death. Yet, this clever plant resurrects once the environment turns hospitable, showcasing its enduring spirit." Also, "While Wild caladium is well-known for its ornamental value, it has a unique, lesser-known application as a bioindicator. In scientific studies, Wild caladium’s sensitivities to certain soil metals can be harnessed to gauge environmental pollution levels, such as arsenic. Although not yet widespread, this application could revolutionize environmental monitoring, offering a cost-effective and natural means to track soil health." 

And that was it for the fairy garden for this trip. When we arrived there were two large school buses, and the children were just getting off them. We were also noticing four legged friends on walks.

My first thought was that they were service dogs but there were no vests identifying them as such.

When we stepped into the visitor center on our way to the exit, this joyful little soul was wagging his tail at us as we walked by.

We found they have started Pup Stroll Wednesdays. I was very surprised and delighted at the same time.

The weather was perfect that day.

As it was lunchtime and it was on our way home, we headed to our pasty shop for a car picnic. We drove by this place with all the garden art. It was on the way.

Here is The Pure Pasty Co. We have been coming here off and on for years.

There are the other stores nearby and they all share the same parking lot.

Best of all, here is our pasty. Car picnic time! I forgot to take a picture before I had a bite, or two.

It was a fun day and we look forward to keeping company with a few more dogs on our next visit there, and the fairies of course.

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

RANDOM PHOTO - BLUES IN TWO’S

In a garden glade a pretty blue flower finds 

Its way out of the shade.

The Germander Speedwell, delicate and bright,

Nestles next to a tall blue mushroom, 

A wondrous sight.

With her petals like the sky, so pure and true,

They dance together in the morning dew.

The Speedwell whispers her secrets on the breeze,

As Autumn leaves fall from the trees.

She decides to stay in this enchanted land.

With her sweet blue mushroom,

tall and grand.

Thanks for visiting and reading my fanciful little poem. Sometimes when I find one of my photos like this one, my thoughts go down in a jumble and come together like this. Not the greatest but I enjoy doing them.

Have a great day everyone. 

I wish you lots of peace, warmth and sunshine.

MONDAY RECIPE POST - OATMEAL CRANBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

I saw this recipe on the back of a packet of Craisins (Dehydrated Cranberries).  Whether it is still there, I don't know as I saved it back in 2010 and have made them several times since.  

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies 

Makes approximately 2-1/2 dozen. 

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Craisins (Dried Cranberries)
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using an electric mixer beat butter or margarine with sugar together in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.  

Add eggs, mixing well.  

Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl.  

Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition.  

Stir in Craisins (Dried Cranberries) and white chocolate chunks.  

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets.  

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  

Cool on wired rack.  

Makes approximately 2-1/2 dozen cookies.

Result?  Very, very nice, especially with a cup of tea.  The first time I made them (as shown in these photos), I didn't actually use any chocolate.  I had everything else in the pantry and didn't want to go to the store just for that one ingredient.  They still tasted great.  We enjoyed them so much I now make them without, but chocolate lovers out there, go for it.

I have also used raisins instead of the Craisins.

I was careful with my tea (famous last words).  I don't usually put it quite so close to my laptop, just long enough for the photo.  The cup is a double.  There are times when you just have to use the bigger cup. (The photo is an old one taken at Meadowlark Gardens.)

Thanks for looking and enjoy your week!