What does a flower gardener do while on vacation? Well look for sites that have flowers and wonderful gardens of course.
While in Virginia we visited the Lewis Ginter Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. To tell the truth I wanted to see how it would stand up to the Conservatory and gardens we have here in Columbus, Ohio.
I got my answers. And the conservatory in Columbus is much larger and nicer by far. As for the gardens, well the Lewis Ginter gardens whipped Columbus by a mile on their garden beds, venues and structures.
The gardens and pond were so beautiful and there were so many wonderful structures on the grounds.
This beautifully designed observatory building was in the Children's Garden. From it you could see all over the gardens and the pond.
You knew you were entering their Children’s garden when you saw all these colorful hands on stakes ….
and hand prints and butterflies adorning the fencing with the names of children written upon them.
There was even a water feature in the Children’s Garden and a few tots were really enjoying running around among the jest of water and the sprinklers. It was so fun watching them playing and enjoying themselves. If you were a member of the Botanical Gardens it was a much safer way to have your children play in the water without the large crowds and deep water of the city swimming pools.
Koi, water turtles and geese were some of the residents of the their beautiful pond.
Ahhh, so cute!
The dancing waters of the sunken fountain was beautiful. Plantings and benches lines the stone walls where you could set and enjoy the peaceful sound of the water.
And speaking of benches there were many and all different styles in the gardens where you could rest and soak in the beauty on a warm day.
Maybe you would like the iron benches….
Or even one made to look like Hummingbirds sipping from a bloom.
In the Japanese Garden you could seat under this beautiful structure in the shade on a hot day and listen to the many birds singing their hearts out…
or catch a Robin taking a bath in the stone stream that ran through the garden.
Everyone likes a bench in the garden.
A Moon Gate is always fun to look and walk through to enter a garden bed.
A separate cutting garden with a huge arbor filled with roses was on the grounds where weddings were held.
No I do not know how to tell time from a Sundial but they are fun to have in a garden.
These are some of the structures that were found on the ground of the Botanical gardens.
I will share some of the flowerbeds, butterflies and the conservatory in later postings.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend and…
Happy Gardening,
Lona
13 comments:
This was a fun tour. Thanks for taking me along. I think the difference in the two gardens (Columbus vs Richmond) is all about climate. Columbus has the rough winters even into April so you Ohioans have a wonderful indoor Conservatory. Richmond has the joy of Eastern Seaboard warmth so can concentrate more on the outdoor features. Also, gazebos, benches, etc are much easier to keep up where the freezing/thawing cycle isn't as rough. I speak from experience here in Western WV.
Thanks to your photos I am ready to head across these mountains to Richmond.
nellie
What a great opportunity you had to visit that lovely conservatory. I thoroughly enjoyed this post.
Hi Lona, What a fantastic place, I would sit on the hummingbird bench for sure. Have a great weekend:)
What a fun place to visit. I love the garden bench statue with the children's feet dangling and we have Canada Geese all over here but I can't recall ever seeing baby ducklings. Precious.
Lona, what a wonderful trip! I love the fence-"hands", the bench-"wings", the wedding place :0)
Some great shots Lona. Not only is it lovely but seems so peaceful also.
Cher Sunray Gardens
Looks like a place I'd like to visit. Love the pond! If there was one thing I could add to my garden,it would be a pond.
Looking forward to seeing more pictures this week.
Hope you had a nice vacation.
What a beautiful place Lona. I seek out garden spots too whenever I go on vacation (which has not been often lately) I would love to travel the worlds largest garage sale route someday tho ~ that would be deviating from gardening but following another interest!
I'll add it to my list. Great phtos as always
Wow, there are so many pretty spots there that I can't even choose a favorite! Visiting gardens is my favorite vacation activity, go figure.
Thanks for sharing Lewis Ginter Gardens...been a long time since I was there.
Love the hummingbird bench!!
What a fun, beautiful place! Thanks for sharing your awesome photos!
I'm catching up on by blog reading after our trip to see little Sierra. I always enjoy your photos, but sseing a couple weeks worth all at one time has given me a new appreciation of your talent as a photographer, Lona. you have a good eye, my friend!
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