Edith J. Carrier Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Pt. 1

 

While on Vacation on the last day we went to visit the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Gardens.
It was a lovely  getaway setting right in Harrisonburg, Virginia amongst the James Madison University.

While walking on the trails around the arboretum and looking at some of the trees that were still in flower  we saw evidence of remnants of how beautiful it must have looked  in early spring with all of the daffodils, flowering shrubs and azaleas that were planted.

In spots along the trails it was not uncommon to come upon many lovely statues that were tucked in here and there.
Along with the sound of the birds chirping and the quiet surroundings even in midst of a bustling Campus it still had such a peaceful atmosphere.

We sat upon a few of the benches on our walk around the arboretum and just soaked it all in or watched a chipmunk scampering around looking for its lunch.

  
Although the azaleas had lost their blooms there were several late blooming Rhododendrons blooming in the shade of the trees.

The leaves of this ‘Autumn Gold Maiden Haired’ tree were so pretty shimmering where the sun was filtering in upon them.

Aruncus ‘Goats Beard’ were in bloom and helped lightened up the shady paths and trails.

And there were many native plants along the trails such as these ‘Indian Pipe’s’.

Woodland ferns and some ‘Citronella’ Heuchera’s were planted where a just a touch of sunlight broke through the trees.

With heavy rains the night before the waterfalls and the pond had overflowed.

The pond was muddy from the rain but it was still such a lovely spot.

With college graduations that day there were several students and their parents coming to the pond area to get pictures of the newly graduated in their caps and gowns.

With many benches all around the pond it was a great spot to set and have a bit of lunch and spend a few hours watching the wildlife. Or if you like to jog there was a running trail where we saw many people were out for a run that day.

This floating planter in the middle of the pond was the favorite sunning spot for the water turtles.

This mother duck had nine little ones swimming around in the pond. I do not know if they were all hers or if she was babysitting.

He was not help at all. LOL!

They took no notice of us and we could walk up real close to them but one little toddler was trying to catch them and they were not sitting still for that and took back to the water.

 
I will share some pictures of the Botanical garden and plants in another posting because I took too many pictures to try to cram them into one posting.

Happy Gardening,
Lona

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