Lewis Ginter in August

As promised, after enjoying Holly Shimizu's presentation, I did go outside to see what early August was like this year at Lewis Ginter.



It's always interesting to see what they've placed in the pots year to year:


This is one of the prettiest views:


Here's what is planted around the frog fountain:


Passion flowers were doing well:


Such an amazing flower to look at up close:


I like to see what they're bordering with:


More containers:


Info on The Healing Garden with pictures to follow:





This looks interesting:


We'll have to look at that container a bit closer:


Another:



Moving along:







I like to look at the long borders:






I'd heard that the Rose Garden had been redone and that it was supposed to marvelous.


I can't begin to tell you how shocked I was to walk upon sweeps of Knockout roses:


All the lovely heirloom or collector type roses were gone. In their place, sweeps of Knockouts or other apparently easy care roses had been installed. It's no longer a rose garden for discoveries or to appreciate classic roses. No, it's now one for what...easy care and photo backgrounds? Later, when I found a notice directing guests to a wedding, I though, "ah ha"....I guess the rose garden needs to earn its keep or better yet, exceed its keep.





I couldn't wait to move on. It really dismayed me. It seemed so unoriginal, so uninspiring. I'm really glad that I got to see the old one last May...it's gone forever.


Another disappointment, along this very shady border were struggling daylilies. One would guess they were planted when more sun was available, before trees and shrubs filled in. Now, the daylilies, dutifully marked, were little blades of grass...one last gasp before they die out. Doesn't anybody realize they need to be moved??


Apparently not. But, anyway, the shade areas are still interesting.



If ever I needed the tranquility of the Japanese Garden, it was now. Many times I've photographed this exact spot. It's just so lovely.







Love the contrast of colors here...and it's not even Fall....yet...



Another favorite check in spot is looking at their Japanese Maple Waterfall....to see where mine is headed:


As always, my time runs our here and I need to start the trek back home. Gardens are always changing, just like people. You still love them, even though you may not like every aspect about them. One last look before we head out: