Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Here's another post with a photo overload, but being surrounded by so much natural beauty at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens it was impossible not to snap my camera constantly!  This was my favorite day in Atlanta, after all the rain we finally managed to have one afternoon with perfect temperature and no clouds, ideal for an outdoor adventure!

This summer the gardens are hosting the Imaginary Worlds exhibit, which has toured all over Europe and is now seen for the first time in the US.  Imaginary Worlds is a series of beautiful living sculptures that tower over visitors, creating a larger then life wonderland!  Between these amazing sculptures and the exotic orchid house, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a place to reconnect to the Earth Goddess and to find her in yourself.

 

 

Spring has Sprung!

This Saturday was so pretty outside, I didn't want to stay indoors at all!  So Vlad and I spent the early afternoon grabbing a Greek gyro for lunch and then walking through the Greensboro Arboretum.  It's almost the peak of this spring season so all the buds are finally opening into full blossoms and adding a sweet fragrance to the air.  

The Arboretum is a unique collection of blooming trees, sculpture art, and wildlife.  It's "come sit and enjoy the scenery" atmosphere makes for the perfect afternoon of leisurely strolling.  Vlad and I were both intrigued by the way they labeled every different kind of flower, shrub or tree, letting you know exactly what you're looking at.  My favorite was the Japanese Cherry Blossoms that were in full bloom with the last few buds opening.  They were so delicate with their pastel colors and silky petals. The butterflies flitted through the branches landing from one blossom to the next.  It's days like these that lifts my spirits and makes me think anything is possible in such a beautiful world.  Thank goodness spring has finally sprung!

Florida Nature

After a 14 hour car ride and being in a whole new place, Stuart was beyond anxious to get out and about, so the day after we arrived, we took him on his own adventure.  We were hoping to take him on the beach but the dog park was closed so we settled for a walk down the surrounding neighborhood street.  It also gave me a chance to see a bit more of Florida's foliage up close. I was amazed by it all because it's nothing like the natural plants that grow in North Carolina.  

My favorite of all was the Sea Grape.  It was growing everywhere, as a plant, a shrub, or a tree.  The rounded leaves were all different colors from burgundy to a brilliant orange or a forest green, and as an accent they had neon green veins running through them.  Native to tropical areas because they grow so well in sandy soil, the fruit is acidic in flavor and can be made into jams and jellies.  I wish I could have found some sea grape jelly to try!

These photos are mainly from our walk with Stuart but there are a few that I captured one morning when I woke up early, from Vlad's mom's garden that was just beautiful with everything blooming this time of year!  So here's a little Florida nature for your morning tea!