"If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees."
We visit many times during the year. It is more difficult in the hot and humid months, but until then we make the most of our walks. The large tree is the Sweet Chestnut tree and is a favorite in the garden.
Native to China, did you know that Peonies could live for one 100 years? They have been around since 1000 BC.
The following is Autumn Sage, botanical name Salvia greggii. It is native to Texas Hill Country and Southwest Texas. I was happy to find it at Green Spring Gardens. The name is interesting considering it starts blooming in March, and in fact blooms in spring, summer and fall.
The produce garden is always of interest. I made the collage in the next trio of photos. The Chocolate Mint is on the left, and Black Snakeroot is on the right.
Black Snakeroot whose botanical name is Cimicifuga racemosa, is also called Black Cohosh and is a perennial native to eastern North America. It is found in a variety of woodland settings from Main, south to Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas.
Chocolate mint is a hybrid variety of mint and is native to Europe and the Middle East. Its botanical name is Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate'.
It is a perennial and can grow up to 3' in height. It will even survive deep frosts if well mulched, going dormant over winter.
These are the Mock strawberry, also known as False strawberry, Yellow-flowered strawberry and Indian strawberry. Botanical name Potentilla indica. Often confused with the strawberries we know well, as they are so similar. While the mock strawberry is edible, it generally lacks flavor compared to the true strawberry. It is native to North America. It was considered good luck by multiple Native American people to have strawberries in their homes.
I found this cute picture on pixabay.com and knew it was coming on here. I also saw a cute little dog with her humans at the garden. Not to speak to this time but I did note that her name was Ellie. Ellie and her humans were looking off into the distance.
We came across the rock cairn as we made our way down to the two ponds. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to build it. I don't think it was any of the staff. With all the children - and dogs - going on their walks, I'm almost certain it will be dismantled. They looked heavy but one bump and they could come down on someone. There is a website at the National Park Service here. They are popping up all over the place. The rules change from park to park, and they are asking that we check the website if we are inclined to build one, to see if it’s permissible. Some are used to mark trails.
That's all for today. Thank you for visiting and
as always, have a very enjoyable day.
