GREEN SPRING GARDENS, LAST OF THE PHOTOS FROM THIS TRIP - 6-3-23

 From the children's garden it is a very short walk to the area where produce is grown.

There is a thriving herb garden our side of the fence.  At this link I found a few interesting facts.   Growing pots of basil not only smells good but it deters flies and mosquitoes who are repelled by its scent. Mint leaves or oil also deters ants and so a few scattered leaves in your cupboards can prove a useful, natural solution if you are having a problem with these pesky critters.

The Romans believed that the consumption of mint would increase their intelligence and the smell of mint in their houses was also a symbol of hospitality.   Parsley is a natural breath freshener, particularly in combating the potency of garlic

Herbal seeds have been found in pre-historic cave dwellings dating back as far as 500,000 years ago. Our ancestors have always used herbs in cooking and health remedies.  The Egyptians studied herbs and used them in medicinal and religious functions as far back as 3500 B.C. Ancient records reveal recipes for herb infused oils and creams in the tombs of legendary beauties such as Cleopatra.  The Chinese began the organized study of herbs in 2500 B.C. Written records in China have survived, detailing the uses of herbs that date back from 100 BC.  I found lots more information at this link.   

We also saw signs saying that all produce grown is donated to local food banks.  The garden near us does the same.

I applaud them wholeheartedly for doing this...   

and I can't leave without adding a quote, this time about herbs.

We were slowly meandering our way to the car and came across a second family whose daughter was celebrating her Quinceanera.  I wrote about the first at this post. Not wanting to intrude, I was only able to take one photo from a distance using the camera with the zoom, a sweet moment between the young lady and her sister.  Very heartwarming! 

I couldn't quite make out what her gown looked like this time, but from a distance I could see it was a pretty pink.  I bet it was beautiful!

And this last photo of the Spiraea is the end of today's post.  We will be going back relatively soon, maybe in a week or two.

GREEN SPRING GARDENS, CONTINUING OUR WALK ON 6-3-23

Still down by the second pond, the lotus area was starting to take shape.  Hopefully the next time we go here they will be in full bloom, which is always when I love taking photos.

And to recap, we had seen the turtles...

and I believe these are called Red-eared sliders, info here, and there is a basic information sheet at this link. 

We had a very interesting meeting with the Mexican Hairless dogs, thanks to their kind human who introduced us to them when he was taking them for a walk at the garden.  In my post I mentioned the Pixar movie Coco, where there was such a dog who befriends our young hero Miguel. I have since watched it and for an animated movie I found it very touching, tugged at the heart strings, and I found myself sniffling throughout.

And then there was our fashionista Canada Goose from my post here.  I always enjoy the company of a Canada Goose, a never-ending source of  entertainment.

These were all the critters that we came across on our walk, and we enjoyed seeing them very much.  There were also a few birds fluttering around in the treetops, but barely seen.  By this time, we had reached the wooded area, and its path that eventually leads to the top of the garden. It is more manicured.  I enjoy the wooded area equally as it is left to grow as nature intended, a little wild, and thanks to my plant app 'Picture This, I was able to identify the ones in my photos.

If you would like to know more about the following plants we saw, click on each name to read more information.

Foxglove beardtongue 

Carolina allspice  

Smallspike false nettle

Virginia sweetspire  

Cup plant  

Wineberry  

Indian hemp

So, we made our way through the wooded area, crossed the stream and walked up the hill to where we always finish our walk around the green but...

the first scene we came across as we reached level ground was this.

A group of young people were having their photographs taken by a professional photographer.  We didn't want to intrude and stopped in our tracks  (they were blocking the path in the direction we were going). But yes, we took photos, a lovely reminder of the day we saw their celebration.  We were far enough away that our presence was barely noticed, if at all.  It was a delightful scene!  The young girl was with her 'court'.  The accompanying girls are called 'Damas'.  The boys are called 'Chamberlanes'.  The Damas and Chambelanes will be with the Quinceanera (this young lady in the beautiful gown) throughout the day and are usually with her until all her other guests leave. 

Her gown was stunning!  The first time I learned about these celebrations was in September 2010, when we visited one of the missions in San Diego, California.  A group had arrived in a long stretch limo.  You can see my other photos of our trip to the Mission at this link.  If you go here, you will be able to read all about the tradition of Quinceañera.

It goes back centuries and takes place when a girl turns 15 years' old and is now seen as a young woman.  The celebration starts off with her and her family attending a Catholic Mass.  The tradition of Quinceañera originated in Mexico, back to the time of the Aztecs.  You can read much more at the links I provided if curious.  The young people by now were moving on to other areas of the garden for more photos and we were able to continue.

I have always been fascinated by other cultures, customs, clothing and traditions, ever since I was a little girl and I remember on my way home from school, peering into the shop window looking at all the gorgeous Indian jewelry, and seeing the ladies in their saris.  Those days were the start of my curiosity about such things.  I never had any money to buy but I was content looking, and I am still looking.

This is the end of my post but not of my photos from Green Spring Gardens.  There will be more soon.