Garden at the Lake

I did absolutely nothing at the lake.  Truly.   Nothing but relax that is.

I had nothing on the agenda except read, sit on the deck, and think good thoughts.    When it got too hot outside, I retreated inside (more quietude) to continue reading, watch a movie or read blogs.    What more could I want?

The only thing missing was The Hubs.   He had to drive back and forth to work everyday, so Saturday (our last day), we ventured into town to check out a few things on my list.

One was Cafe Yum.     Our local paper had reviewed this coffee/sandwich/cupcake place in February and I had been dying to go there.    I had actually met a friend here for lunch earlier in the week and The Hubs and I returned for coffee and scones before our other adventure.    This place is too cute and a welcome surprise for an otherwise kinda’ rough ’round the edges lake town.    

We took our coffees to go and headed to Lendonwood Gardens.    According to their brochure and website, Lendonwood is a non-profit organization that is totally supported by volunteers, donations, and  a few big sponsors (Walton Family Foundation, Arvest and other area banks).    It is open year-round and is free (although a $5 donation is suggested).       The garden sets on six acres but it seems so much bigger.

The garden boasts the largest collection of rhododendrons in the Southwest (although these had bloomed much earlier in the spring).    It also contains one of the largest collections of chamaecyparis  (false cypress) in the U.S.    There are 500 varieties of day lillies (which had just passed their prime), seventy-five varieties of Japanese maples, 125 varieties of hostas, and twenty-five varieties of dogwoods.      There were two almost separate gardens (in fact, you were crossing across other people’s yards to get there)—the azalea garden (which truly seemed like the extension of a private property) and The Angel of Hope garden.     I am wondering if maybe these people did not donate the six acres for the gardens.    If not, what a gem to have right next door.

I cannot wait to visit this garden in the fall and early spring.   It is open dusk to dawn, seven days a week.      What a testament to the volunteers who take care of this oasis.

Note:   If you can identify any of these plants, please comment below and let me know.   They were well marked at the gardens, I just did not have a pen.  🙂

 

Abigail, it’s girl’s choice today.   Pick any of these virtual flowers.    Smiles and gigles.