Before the snow flies, I wanted to share one of this past summer's Happy Adventures. Located fairly close to my home are the St. Albert Botanical Gardens. I love wandering through them several times a year because each time there's something different to see. The last time I was there, the sun was out and even the greenery glowed. I hope you enjoy this virtual walk through the gardens as much as I did when I was there taking these images.
As you arrive, the parking lot is bordered by a magnificent array of chrysanthemums from the most delicate shapes, sizes, and colours, to the deep, rich, gigantic blooms.
Adjacent to the parking lot, is a large majestic fountain centred in a labyrinth of roses. Many of the roses were past their prime, still in bloom creating an enjoyable walk but not the best for photographing.
Parts of the gardens overflow with vibrant colourful flowers; yellows, pinks, purples, oranges. It always amazes me that in nature all these colours look perfect together and yet if we decorated our homes in the same way, we would definitely be called eccentric.
Then there are areas which display more delicate floral examples like hydrangeas, cosmos, and snapdragons.
When I was a small child, my favourite thing in the world was walking with my grandmother through the towering hollyhocks in her back yard. It always felt quite magical. As you can imagine, these flowers still bring back cherished memories.
When I lived in England, my mother gave me the responsibility of caring for the two small flower beds outside our front door. She encouraged me to plant "easy to care for" flowers (I found out later in my life). When the orange "bells" of nasturtiums exploded and overflowed the bed I was always filled with pride. I grew those!
In the shade area of the Botanical Gardens there are nasturtiums and other leafy grown covering. I love the way some of them cradle water droplets on the surface of their leaves. It's quiet and peaceful along this shady path.
Summer has waned, the trees are almost bare. I'm still wearing my sandals as the last few fall leaves cling to their branches. These photographs of the fertile summer months will help to sustain me through the frigid days of an Alberta winter. It has been a pleasant summer of tending my garden and small day trips into the local countryside. In December I'll make a new "Happy Adventure" in Jamaica while attending my step-daughter's wedding. Until then, please continue to follow some of the many smaller adventures which fill my days.
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