Wordless Wednesday © Britt Conley

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

Despite it’s name, this lovely setting is really both a garden and a park.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

With phenomenal open spaces, bordered by grand trees and viewing benches, this Fairfax County park is open dawn to dusk each day.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

Throughout the property there are endless lovely little woodland spaces to wander and sit.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

As a park, there are plenty of paths that stroll one through the great open spaces.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

But Green Spring is also a garden and there are plenty of flowers to be found!

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

This gem literally is perched on a mound in the central drop off point for the Visitor’s Center.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

There are plenty of boarder gardens to stroll…

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

This wild garden is picture perfect.

Green Springs Gardens © Britt Conley

And there is plenty of color to be had throughout.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

They even have little partially enclosed garden nooks to explore.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

The Children’s explorers garden must be a big hit with the kids.  I came a bit late in the day on Labor Day weekend to catch them.  There is also a horticultural center here that offers a library, shop and botanical art gallery.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

Each garden area offers a unique ambiance that takes you in and out of the park setting.

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

Even the parking lot is fully landscaped for the garden lover!

Green Spring Gardens © Britt Conley

So next time you see a picture perfect blue sky and happen to be in Alexandria you may want to plan a trip here.  Next time I come I intend of packing a blanket for the great lawn and make an afternoon of it.  It’s Washington area gem.

For more information go strait to the source: http://www.greenspring.org

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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1. Let the fun begin at Green Animals Topiary Garden!
2. The Rise of the Spring Roses at Dumbarton Oaks
3. Some of the best flowers of Spring are those that made it through Winter!

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

With 94 acres Meadowlark hosts numerous flower and tree collections as well as paths, benches and views that stun.  I of course come for the flowers : )

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

Walking the immense property is joy in and of itself.  There are lovely benches set up throughout and all with incredible views.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

The wetland ponds and woods are absolutely perfect for birding and photography.  According to Meadowlark there are, “blue herons, green herons and black crowned night herons,” among others.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

The rolling hills offer a multitude of great viewing posts!

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

The central fountain is a great backdrop from nearly any angle.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

There are several garden locations.  I particularly enjoy the herb garden.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

There are even more flowers closer to the main Visitor’s Center.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens © Britt Conley

The gardens pop up in little clusters which dot the area.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

Each cluster offers places to sit.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

Most of of the gardens are full of color!

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

The main attraction, however, may just be Virginia’s native trees.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

Meadowlark has, if anything, loads of trees! Not only do the paths wind one throughout them, there are even deeper paths that take visitors into the surrounding woods.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

One of the great main attractions at Meadowlark are the lovely views along the winding paths.  They offer bridges and gazebos…

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

and picture perfect places to sit.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

As well as lovely vignettes to photograph.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden © Britt Conley

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a great place to spend the morning or afternoon.  If taking photographs I recommend late afternoon or early morning at this time of year. There is plenty to see and do.  The Visitor’s center is also offers up a great air conditioned spot for a respite as well as a great selection of photographic prints, cards and the sort in the gift shop!

For more information on hours, location and directions, please visit http://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/content/the_gardens

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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1. Part V: The Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
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3. Part IV: The Asian Valley at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Wordless Wednesday © Britt Conley

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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Wooly Butterfly Bush © Britt Conley

The ones I happened upon were about three and a half.  They are originally from an area of the Chihuanhuan desert which spans between Texas and Mexico.

Wooly Butterfly Bush © Britt Conley

I am particularly drawn to the color palette of this soft furry plant.  The contrast between the nearly snow covered leaves and the bright bold flowers is fantastic.  I’ll be photographing these a lot over the next few weeks.

Wooly Butterfly Bush © Britt Conley

A very short post today.  I have been away for the past four days and didn’t get a chance to photograph one flower.  So, I am heading out in a couple of hours to hit at least two local gardens before days end.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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3. The Photo Garden Bee Tours Three Fantastic Gardens across Virginia!

Wordless Wednesday © Britt Conley

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Bees © Britt Conley

I especially love bumble bees.

Bees © Britt Conley

Buzzing about from bloom to bloom…

Bees © Britt Conley

Even as a kid I just loved them.

Bees © Britt Conley

They are so furry, like little flying bears.

Bees © Britt Conley

With plenty of friends to play with.

Bees © Britt Conley

Sometimes, fighting over the same spot…

Bees © Britt Conley

But mostly just enjoying the day with each other.

Bees © Britt Conley

If you ask me, I’d say a bee’s life is the bee’s knees!

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

The property was owned by George Washington and was one his five farms.  There is a wonderfully long history of the property on the American Horticultural Society’s website Aside from the fantastic entryway gardens at the front of the home, there are also a wonderful set of garden areas that are beautifully planted around the back of the house.  Just follow the path.

American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

Here they have  a selection of hydrangea trees, annuals and perennials alongside the wonderful boxwood and garden trellised pathways.

American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

To the left of this area is a children’s garden.  It’s so large and full of so many plants it will have to be it’s own post I’m afraid.

American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

There are side paths that offer even more strolling…

American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

Some paths drop you off in smaller court yards filled with flowers and a place to sit!

American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

There are plenty of places to wander.  The formal layout of this particular garden area if perfectly romantic.  I especially love the sculpture at the end of the row.

American Horticultural Society at River Farm © Britt Conley

There is also a tremendous four acre meadow in the back of home.  I had so much fun wandering through it.  Highly recommend it year round.  That is having it’s own day on The Photo Garden Bee as well!  I may have to post that this week!

The grounds are open 9-5 Monday-Friday and 9-1 on Saturdays.

For more information visit the American Horticultural Society website: http://www.ahs.org

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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Mt. Vernon © Britt Conley

According the Mount Vernon, “The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association purchased Mount Vernon from the Washington family in 1858 and opened the estate to the public in 1860. Since that time, nearly 80 million visitors have toured Washington’s home.”  That comes as no surprise to this Bee!

Despite numerous visits, I have yet to tour the main house.  I suppose it’s because I am continually drawn to the gardens.  There are several gardens to wander.  Let’s begin with the upper garden.  This is one of two lovely boxwood mazes.  This area is normally teaming with visitors.  They offer music and traditional dance here on occassion.

The Maze Garden at Mt. Vernon © Britt Conley

continuing down any of the walking paths will lead you to flowers, herbs, benches and lovely trees.

Upper Garden at Mt. Vernon © Britt Conley

The upper garden area is immense.  The care takers take great care to make sure the gardens are archeolgically perfect with Washington’s plans.  To get a more in depth knowledge of the gardens, there are 30 minute garden walking tours each day at 11:00 am from April to October.

The Upper Garden at Mt. Vernon © Britt Conley

I love the flowers here.  This year, I’m going to attempt to follow the plantings through the seasons.  I have to admit, I don’t know what this bloom is below.  But it feels antiquated and perfect for this garden.

The Upper Garden at Mt. Vernon © Britt Conley

Most of the flower beds reside in this area.  They consist of  an array of floral offerings between Spring and Fall.  Erika was kind enough to photograph the garden this past Spring while I was recovering at home.

The Upper Garden at Mt. Vernon © Erika Malmgren

One of our favorite flowers of the garden are the Crown Imperial Lillys!

The Upper Garden at Mt. Vernon © Erika Malmgren

But the gardens are by far not about the floral arrangements. George Washington of course had to keep him, his family, friends and staff fully feed.  To do so requires a massive garden plan and he was just the man to do it.

Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

The large Lower Garden is home to the estates Kitchen Garden, Boxwoods, Herbs, Vegetables and even fruit trees.  Mount Vernon explains that,”Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz, a Polish visitor to Mount Vernon, June 2. 1798  stated, “Corrents, Rasberys, Strawberys, Gusberys, quantities of peaches and cherries..”

Lower Garden at Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

Mount Vernon adds that the,

“gardens and grounds were a master mix of formal and naturalistic design sytles originating in England.  In this transitional form, Washignton borrowed strict symmetry and simple geometric lines from the earlier school while taking advantage of the natural beauty of the American Landscape.  There is an overal order to the wilderness area, vistas, groves and curing walkways that reflects Washington’s sense of balance and design.”

In the early Spring this Lower Garden is just getting started.  You can still see the design and line of the garden.

Lower Garden at Mount Vernon © Erika Malmgren

By the time Summer rolls in the garden is in full production.  The full garden is absolutely expansive!

Lower Garden at Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

In addition to this area, there is also a Seed Bed garden which provided seeds for planting in the year ahead, The Fruit Garden full of apples, peaches pears, cherries and plums; and several working farms complete with tobacco, wheat, corn livestock etc.  These were worked by 40 to 80 slaves throughout the year.

Sheep at Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

As part of the grounds tour you get to see all the working buildings of the estate and the Washington’s original belongings like his carriages and stables.

Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

You  can also see the stunning trees and views!  Although much of Mount Vernon’s 8000 acres were forested, Mount Vernon states, the “Oak, pine and locust were harvested for the construction of buildings.”   Washington loved his trees and made sure there was an abundance of untouched woodlands.

Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

Washington loved Mount Vernon for its views.  If only I had a panoramic camera to show you the left and right of this magnificent river.  This is his view from the back of his house.

Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

You needn’t wish you could be down by the water.  There is a lovely path through the woods that will take you down to the 19th centrury wharf where one can catch a river cruise on either the Sprit of Mount Vernon or the Miss Christin.

“

Mount Vernon © Britt Conley

Washington not only farmed another area a short walk from this doc, he also fished  the river heavily.  Mount Vernon describes that, “in a few short weeks, they could haul in a process nearly 1/5 million fish, securing their food for the coming year and enabling Washington to sell the rest.”

There is so much more to see and do here.  You’ll just have to put this on on your garden travel itinerary!  It’s worth the trip!

For more information visit http://www.mountvernon.org/

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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Verbena © Britt Conley

What I love about photographing Verbena is that they are like a little forest of color upon a little mound pleasantly sitting atop their tall thin green stalk.  They are originally from South America and of course love the sun.  They grow in clusters or fields, what ever the gardener ponders.

Verbena © Britt Conley

From the side it’s easy to capture the forest like brush and their little flower tubbing upward.

Verbena © Britt Conley

Verbena bonariensis offer endless photographic possibilities.  I suppose I say that more often than I’d like but its true.  You could spend a whole day on these and continue to find novel views.

Verbena © Britt Conley

Verbena petals are so very  tiny and yet so much fun!  Like begonias they have a little textured sparkle to their leaves.  But you have to look for it in just the right light.

Verbena © Britt Conley

As a subject, they make being creative a breeze.

Verbena © Britt Conley

As well as being serious…

Verbena © Britt Conley

I will have to add these to my imaginary garden.  I have a list for when I finally have my own little plot of land.

‘Til Tomorrow…

Britt : )

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