Entries in Aldridge gardens (11)

Saturday
May302015

Hydrangeas at Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, Alabama, is different from many public gardens where people walk through to see the beautiful flowers.Today I visited the Gardens, and I was struck by how many persons were there to enjoy life. There was a wedding, a birthday party and an outdoor class. I saw someone reading a book under a tree. A couple were holding hands. Children were playing tag while their parents watched from a bench. More children were hanging over the railing at the boathouse, pointing out the big fish. A group who had just walked around the lake were trying to politely shoo the resident geese off the path. I heard laughter and music and bird song. Overall there was a spirit of peace, and it was a gorgeous day in the Gardens.

Of course, there were plenty of flowers to enjoy, and this month the wonderful hydrangeas have begun to bloom. The Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' is an unusual oakleaf hydrangea with double blooms, and this is the hydrangea that Eddie Aldridge patented and promoted. Now it is grown worldwide.But many other types of hydrangeas also grow in the Gardens. Here are a few views of hydrangeas around the Gardens today.

Ok, I know this last shot does not have any hydrangeas in it, but the goose posed for me and insisted he should be in my blog post.

May this coming week be filled with beautiful flowers and other things that make you smile.   Deb

You may also be interested in these posts: Hydrangea 'Snowflake',  Oakleaf Hydrangea and Young Lovers at Aldridge Gardens.

Saturday
Apr252015

Goose On Water x 7 + 1

I recently was at nearby Aldridge Gardens to get some some photos of roses blooming with the lake in the background, but I was frustrated by lighting that was too bright. At last I gave up and walked down to the boathouse, forgetting about photography but wanting to enjoy a lovely view of the lake. The lighting from this angle was much better, and I soon had my camera back out as I observed a goose swimming across the lake. I was taken as much by the beauty of the water as I was by the goose. I call this series of photos "Goose on Water x 7 + 1." (or simple algebra for lake lovers!) Do you have a favorite?

#1:#2:#3:#4:#5:#6:#7:

Finally, here is one more photo I took near the boathouse. No goose, but I love the water colors!