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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Wright Park on a Winter Day

Recently, between arctic blasts, there were a few relatively nice days.  To celebrate the end of 2016, we went for a stroll around Wright Park.


The ducks seem happy to see us coming. 

So, are  you going to ignore the signs and feed the wildlife?  Huh?  Well, are you gonna? 

Okay, look, you give us some nice snacks and nobody gets hurt.  Got it?

You live within flying distance and we know what vehicle you drive.  It would be a shame for your car to somehow get droppings all over it wouldn't it?

You wanna play it that way and not feed us?  Okay but don't say that I didn't warn you. 

The ducks weren't the only signs of life continuing through the coldest part of the year. 


These kids look like they could use a coat.


The back side of Seymour Conservatory.

Interesting juxtaposition of styles. 

Our native snowberry (Symphoricarpos) 

Although most of the roses at the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital had been cut back severely a few were still blooming.


Common Dusty Miller (Artemisia absinthium?)  glows in the winter light. 

 While growth above ground has slowed, a lot is happening just beneath the surface and here, just above the surface.
 
One of my favorite garden writers, Ann Lovejoy, recently published a marvelous  meditation, "The Wonder of Winter" here.  It's helped me appreciate the season a little more.  Arctic blasts bringing below freezing temperatures and wind; not so much.


Keep warm!

10 comments:

  1. When I see pix of Hydrangeas in winter like the ones here, I wonder why I am not growing any. Doesn't seem like no room is a good enough excuse.

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  2. I'll do my best to keep warm, but these next few days might be difficult. It doesn't look like it's getting as cold at night as they are warning though, I haven't seen any temps in the teens at all. That oakleaf Hydrangea has lovely foliage, the kind that colors up really dark. I'm amazed you found a flower.

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  3. Brrrr! Poor ducks, I hope they've got a warm spot to retreat to at night.

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  4. The ducks rushing toward you suggest there are those how feed them regularly. I admit: if I had a slice of bread in my pocket I might have been tempted to share it...
    I love the leathery look of oak leaf hydrangea. I have one called Pee Wee that had grown quite huge; I don't have the heart to prune it.

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  5. Sign or not, I'd have been hard-pressed to ignore those duck entreaties if I had some crackers in my pocket (not that that's a common occurrence). My brother and his girlfriend take oatmeal (organic, no less) with them on walks and "their" ducks recognize them on sight and come running or, er, waddling.

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  6. Roses in winter--that would be wonderful! It's always encouraging to see new growth from the soil. My Hellebores always start budding in November, but then are covered with leaves and snow until March. It's nifty to see the first Daffodils poking through, too. Winter is rough, yes indeed.

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  7. Discovering the rare beauty in a winter walk is a joy.

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  8. That must have been a lovely walk, ducks and flowers to enjoy. A walk at this time of year brings all the senses alive!

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  9. I have several Snowberries and they never fruit that prolifically. Good choice on not feeding the ducks - never give in to intimidation!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.