Parker Visits Green Springs with a Sense of Urgency

Parker registers utter apathy

Green Springs on Sunday in Alexandria, VA

Dear Imaginary Friends,

If you know me, or read this blog, then you know that I love gardens. Since this is the time of year when  lotuses and water lilies bloom, one must make haste, for fear the bloom cycle will end any moment. Unfortunately, Green Springs Garden's display is petering out. 

The world of flowers is such a tenuous one. Most flowers bloom so briefly, and we wait on tenterhooks for this grand show of color. Take the one or two weeks of bloom time for tulips, for instance. My heart raced in April when my big crop of pink tulips sprouted buds. Next thing I know, the resident squirrel union had eaten off all the flower heads before they could even open, leaving them like Ichabod Crane, twisting with embarrassment in the spring sunshine.

Parker was dragged in the miserable heat to visit the flowers, and he obviously was not appreciative. He is no doubt thinking, my grandparents dragged me out here for this???

He is not quite conversant with the urgency of horticultural pursuits, apparently...nor the evil squirrel union. I swear the squirrels have put out an all points bulletin  whenever there is something tasty in my yard to eat. I can wrap my swelling figs with chicken wire with painstaking care; it won't help. The squirrels telegraph the bird union, who come calling with their teeny beaks. Mission accomplished: My figs are all deflowered.

Your Imaginary Friend,

Patsie

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Orange Cannas

Dear Imaginary Friend,

These vibrant cannas at located at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens which are still in full bloom, replete with what seems to be acres of water lilies and lotuses. The lotuses are four feet tall. You owe it to yourself to visit this weekend. Go already. It's free, so what are you waiting for? I recommend Sunday morning, before it gets hot. The lighting is nicely dramatic when the sun is still low in the sky. Many photographers have discovered this magical park, tucked away in a somewhat iffy neighborhood.

Enjoy!
Your Imaginary Garden Aficionado,

Patsie

In the Middle of Urban DC!

by Carlo Uchello, c. 2011

Dear Imaginary Friends,

When it is hot as Hades in Washington, DC, that means it is time to trek on over with my husband to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Southeast DC.

And that is exactly what we did early this morning, before our hair melted onto our scalps. Kenilworth Gardens has acres of swampy land devoted to beautiful, incredible lotuses and water lily ponds. They go on and on! Such a shame that they only bloom in the hottest time of the summer.

Photographers are everywhere you turn, with their tripods and super duper lenses. This was a great opportunity for us to try out our newest toy, an SLR Digital camera. 

Another local place that you can view lotuses in bloom now is Greenspring Gardens in Alexandria's West End. A smaller garden, but more diverse, it offers many gardens and plants, not just aquatic species.

Your Friend, the flower lover,

Patsie