I had a day in the garden--not my garden, however, the local botanical garden--on the Fourth of July. It was the perfect way to spend the holiday. I went early before it was too hot and before too many people were about. I was even able to sit and relax and read. The bench you see here is actually a swing. It was a peaceful place to sit in the shade and listen to the birds singing (or chirping, or whatever it is that birds do) and make a little progress in my books.
About half of the gardens had been blocked off due to a sewer reconstruction project that has been underway in my part of the city for a few years now. I was pleased to see that these areas were finally open again. I had never seen this part of the garden before. This is the Japanese Garden, and it is a lovely tranquil place. Here's the walk through.
I think it is still a work in progress and construction still continues, but isn't it pretty amazing? This last photo is from the top looking down over the gardens where we just walked.
And I finally got to see the Herb Garden. As you might imagine--it smelled lovely there. I especially like this knot plot--very Medieval-looking, don't you think?
There is an exhibit called Patriotic Perches going on now in their visitor's center, which is quite creative. All fifty states are displayed using license plates.
And here is Nebraska. Union Pacific has its headquarters here, hence the train.
I thought these maps were pretty cool, too. The gardens invite visitors to add a pin to the boards showing where they are from. Lots of people from the Midwest of course, but I was surprised to see so many international guests, too.
I decided to buy a membership so now I can go as often as I like. Although not very far from where I live, it is still a bit out of the way for me as no bus goes there directly. I like to walk, but it is a bit of a hike. It will always take a little planning, but I am sure I'll be dropping by at least once a month to see what's new--and there is always something new in a garden, isn't there? Next time I think I need to explore the herb garden more. And I think studying up on Japanese gardens will be in order as well.