Garden Stroll

Every morning I venture out with our dog, Carly.  We have many trails to pick from and places to roam but during the spring and summer we often choose Abbo's Alley, a garden in the center of campus.  Abbo's Alley is ever changing and a fun place to take photos of the lush beauty that abounds.  There are many plantings, mature trees and stone mason built bridges and walkways.  I always fine something there to photograph.  I hope that I can adequately share just a tad of what my eyes have enjoyed this day.

Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

A Barn or Cliff Swallow nesting in a small cave like are in the garden.

Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)

Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)

 

Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)

Hybrid Columbine

Hybrid Columbine

Azalea

Azalea

I believe this is a Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)

One of my all time favorites the Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

 

I very bad photo of a Indigo Blue Bunting, he was too far away!
 

I bel
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From Soggy To Sunny

It has always amazed me how fast the weather can change on the mountain.  But one of my favorite changes is when it has rained, then the sun comes out and the drips of water sparkle like diamonds.  About this time of Spring each year, since the first Lady's slipper that I spotted twelve years ago, I have always remembered to look out for these gems of the woodlands floor.  They are amazing to me because of the long propagation process and I'm wild about orchids.  These are natures wild orchids!

Tender maple leaves beaded with rain drops.

 

The whole plant of the Pink Lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule )



Close-up of the Pink Lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule ) such a treat to see growing wild behind our home.

 

Rain droplets on a Poplar Leaf

 

A mirror reflection off Lake Cheston, Sewanee, TN