Monday, March 12, 2012

Barnsley Gardens, Part II

Even though I was not successful with my planned Instagram App photos, here is a small sampling of photos from the weekend visit to Barnsley Gardens, shot with a Panasonic Lumix camera. Below is a graceful swan swimming on one of the lakes. Our horticulturist guide said the lakes have numerous lotus water plants which are gorgeous in bloom and I believe the green in this photo is that plant.







This obviously is not the peak season for the plants, but some growing on the property and currently in bloom included tulips; bridal wreath spirea; lilac; flowering quince; daffodils; Five Leaf Akebia, also known as Chocolate Vine; viola and numerous hellebores. Below is a large bed of hellebores. They were fantastic: 



There were many bridal wreath spirea shrubs in bloom. The picture below is not mine; I borrowed it from the web to illustrate:


Other plants, not in bloom now, included banana shrub; iris; rose campion; fig tree; osage orange; dogwood; columbine; cast iron plant,  and many others, including the Lady Banks rose, a photo of which I posted yesterday, and below is a close-up of that rose in bloom (again, not my photo, but one from the web). I have not provided the botanical name of these plants because I don't know them offhand and would have to look them up.



Barnsley Gardens abounds with the boxwood shrub. We are not sure if they are American or English Boxwood (there is a difference) but assume they must be English, since Barnsley had plants shipped from all over the world to landscape his property. And in the early to mid-1800s, there certainly would not have yet been developed a horticultural program in America, right? Forgot to ask the tour guide that question.

(See the photo posted Friday, March 9, for a front view of the boxwood garden at Barnsley)



Flowers do make life special. I think the quote below is elegant in its simplicity.


Our highest assurance of the goodness of Providence seems to me to rest in the flowers. All other things, our powers, our desires, our food, are all really necessary for our existence in the first instance. But this rose is an extra. Its smell and its color are an embellishment of life, not a condition of it. It is only goodness which gives extras, and so I say again that we have much to hope from the flowers.
SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE, The Naval Treaty



What are your favorite plants?

7 comments:

  1. I love pale yellow flowers, although I'm not sure what the flower is what when I'm looking. It impresses me how much you gardners know about your plants!

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    1. Gardening is in my blood, as they say. Mother and grandmother before me, but I was bored with plants and flowers as a child. Was only in my 20s that I became seriously interested.

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  2. The picture of the swan in the pond is lovely.
    I feel dizzy seeing all these flowers, reading their names. I live in a bush, it seems ; ).
    The gardens are beautiful, but oh how much work must be needed to keep them in good condition!

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    1. Thank you for following my blog. I visited yours and like it very much; will sign up to follow. I will have to "figure out" how this Translator works! I love your Chanel post!!

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    2. Mette, I tried to reply to your comment, but I cannot without replying under previous comment by Nela. Weird things happen sometimes on blogspot and this was one of them. Indeed it is a lot of work and I don't always keep things up as I should.

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  3. I love all plants even though I'm not successful with growing some. My favorites are hydrangea, hosta, evergreens to include the beautiful boxwood at Barnsley and hollies. I love roses but since I live in a shaded area, must stick to the shade garden things which I have finally learned - after much work and expense. Gardening is truly a rewarding thing - much trial and error involved. Great article.

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    1. Thank you! And your hydrangea, hosta, hellebore and holly are beyond beautiful. Can't wait until all your hydrangea bloom! Like a botanical garden.

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