Wednesday, November 23, 2016

What Is It About

What is it about formal gardens that intrigues me, draws me in, makes me want to walk the paths, stop and examine the foliage and flowers. I am also attracted to greenhouses or conservatories.  I didn't grow up in a land of formal gardens, quite the contrary the funny farm I grew up on was wild and bramble filled, with only parts of it tamed by mowing with a small tractor.  

I also enjoy a well tended vegetable garden. Planted with care and designed to produce a plentiful supply of fresh produce.  I have grown sweet peas, I know what they taste like fresh off the vine - they don't travel well, sorry Birdseye, frozen is close but not the same as fresh.  I know what a tomato tastes like, still warm from the afternoon sun.  Tomatoes should never be refrigerated, it changes the taste in ways that can not be unchanged.  Sadly most Americans don't know what a fresh tomato tastes like these days.  

Every place I have lived since I was 20 years old, I have found the local gardens and made time for walks among the plants.  I hope I always will.  

Where do you like to wander and wonder?  

10 comments:

  1. ever been to longwood gardens? https://longwoodgardens.org

    you can get lost for days there!

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    1. Adding that to the list, thanks

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  2. A long lonely road in the woods will do it for me; or a quiet beach or meadow.

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  3. Anonymous11/23/2016

    Beaches. Definitely beaches and shore areas.

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  4. I have to admit I do adore gardens and don't go to them as I should. I also adore beaches, forests and established old neighborhood streets.

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  5. I also love walking parks and gardens. We don't have any I find especially exciting within walking distance now. So, I satisfy myself with walking the beach.

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  6. I am sure I have seen that house in a movie? Have I?

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    Replies
    1. John, it is the hot house at George Washington's Mt Vernon Estate.

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  7. Anywhere with you, My Sweet!

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  8. David,
    I love gardens. Both flower and vegetable. Always a delight.
    Ron

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