What Is Fun To Do In July in Washington, DC?

At the Aquatic Gardens

The National Aquatic Garden Today

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Today we enjoyed a trip to the National Aquatic Gardens, in Washington, DC, which bloom in July and August. The lotuses were in almost full bloom, but it was a little early for the water lilies. 

I was especially interested in photographing the Aquatic Gardens, as I am really interested in butterflies, and have started a new series of paintings of the winged beauties. There was an abundance of butterflies at the gardens, attracted to the lithrum and Queen Anne's Lace, among other flowers.

The delicate beauty of lotuses and water lilies is short-lived, in the tradition of most flowers. So also goes the life span of the butterfly. Fleeting, fluttering beauty:) Carpe Diem.

Lotus in Bloom

Ladew Gardens

The Stunning Rose Garden

 Dear Imaginary Friends,
A ride in the country will do you good! North of Baltimore, in horse country, lies Ladew Gardens, a magnificent collection of topiary, water gardens, fields, vistas, statuary, et al.
This garden just won the Patricia Uchello "Worth the drive" award. Located an hour and a half north of Washington, DC, Ladew Gardens is the former home of a very wealthy gardener/artist who was friends with Lawrence of Arabia, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Clark Gable, to name just a few.
The vistas have been so carefully planned out, as to create a stunning effect. Unfortunately, the property, which has rolling hills, is neither wheelchair nor stroller friendly.
Mr. Ladew, the owner and designer, now deceased, was a sculptor and painter, as well as a master gardener. In addition to formal gardens, there is a nature trail, an art studio, a cafe and a very old historic home, for additional admission.
My photos cannot do it justice. YOU really need to see it!
Your Imaginary Friend,
Patsie

 See the topiary hunt above, with fox, hounds, and jumpers on horseback.

                                           Giant bird house.

 Topiary, aside the cafe on the property

A juxtaposition of open fields with architectural topiaries

The Cutting Garden, viewed from the terrace

Topiary Peacocks, and other playful animals

The Garden of Eden, featuring a statue of Adam and Eve

One of many water lily ponds

Some of the water lilies are already blooming, especially in the gorgeous Iris Garden

Ladew is not to be missed by any lover of gardens. It is comparable to Middleton Gardens of Charleston, SC.

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