Arboretum visit

Last Thursday a friend, (Sharon), and I visited the local JMU Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Spring came early to the area this year. Some things you would normally see in flower at this time were already past, but there were so many other flowering trees, shrubs and plants to view. With years of development and maturity, there is year around interest at the Arboretum. I particularly like the spring display of color. I also enjoy viewing the wildflowers that one doesn't normally see growing in the backyard landscape.

 

At this time, the azaleas and rhododendrons were putting on a colorful display...

 

From beginning to open up ...

to fully opened...

 Red, orange, pink, lavender, purple, white...

All kinds of beauties...  at foot level, ... underneath trees...

Fern Valley....

A large pond...with a path around it,...
... and a few well placed benches to sit, relax and enjoy.

Or..see how close I can get to this turtle.

While we were there, trees, shrubs, and perennials were being put out for a sale that was taking place at the Arboretum on Friday and Saturday. Part of our outing was a review of what was being offered. With shrubs like Boomerang lilac, and a fragrant Snow belle Mockorange, we couldn't resist going back on Friday morning.

I like to plant! LOL! I would much rather browse garden centers than shop for clothes. Moving has meant change, giving up, struggling, starting over,...but...in spite of dealing with weeds and poor soil, I have outdoor space to satisfy my like for planting.

A Snow belle Mockorange for the east side of the house not far from the patio area. It's only approximately 12 inches in height, but already blooming.

It was a wonderful spring day outing. I'm glad we were able to go when we did. Over the weekend we had a much needed rain, but the weather turned cold. There was even a light  snow on the mountains to the west of us this morning.