Longwood Gardens, part 1

On Saturday to celebrate my birthday, my guy and I went to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. It's a beautiful botanical garden that was created originally by the DuPont's. It has acres of outdoor gardens that are stunning in every season. Most of them are put to bed for the winter but the hardscape is lovely and walking along the paths is still pleasant. I can't feel anything but happy and peaceful there. There is also a Conservatory that is full of interesting flowers and plants. Right now, the Conservatory is full of chrysanthemum displays and some other neat things.

Anyway, it was a misty grey day when I took these pictures. I think that kind of day is romantic so I didn't mind. Here are some of the outdoor scenes that I liked.

Oh wait, before we stroll, here I am turning ... shhh... a certain age that we'll keep a secret.

Me turning a certain age. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

Yellow chrysanthemum close-up ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

Hard worker. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

We saw two hard working kitties as we strolled... but both of them were napping! This girl went on a little walk with us, showing us her favorite flowers within her territory. She shared the love and when some other people came along, she greeted them and bid us "good day." The other kitty we saw was stretched out inside one of the Conservatory greenhouses and she had a prime spot beside a warm vent. Her belly was so warm when I rubbed her. Maybe they do more of their hard work at night when the mice are running around, but they were pretty laid back! I was amazed at how friendly they both were. I would think they would get tired of the people walking through their home!

( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

This very old mulberry tree was interesting to me. The gardens are not just beautiful but the gardeners and landscapers are also invested in preserving the oldest trees and plants in the garden. There were several other old specimens here and there. But they have taken more dramatic steps to keep this very special tree intact. I have seen it leafed out and it's quite beautiful then. I think it has a certain grace in this season too.

( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

The paths near the Conservatory are lined with Norwegian Maple trees that have been pruned to have perfectly flat tops and straight sides on the canopy. I suppose it is to fit in with the very formally pruned landscaping in the area and to keep the path in dappled light. In this area, besides the formal gardens, there are fountains, and a large topiary garden. It's hard to get the sense of it in this season, but here is a long view shot that shows how the maple trees have been pruned.

( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

Here are some other pictures of the maples and other trees and paths... This particular variety of maple is one of my favorites. I love the contrast of the yellow leaves against the dark bark of the tree limbs and the rough texture of the trunk and roots.

( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden )

It was a wonderful day and I was sad when the sun went down and we had to leave... but we'll go back again soon.

I hope that's not too many pictures... Tomorrow I will take you inside the Conservatory to see all the pretties in there....

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Daisybeans/MaryAnn

"Once the relation between poetry and the soil is well established in the mind, all growing things are endowed with more than material beauty." -Elizabeth Lawrence