A chair is not a simple thing, designs number in the thousands. Outdoor options which come to mind include the metal frame with the round back from the 50’s, the folding aluminum frame with the woven strips, and the more recent molded plastic. None of those were at Floriade!
Category: Out & About
Brief impressions of garden visits
The Willowman
Along the path to the Relax & Heal world of the Floriade Exposition is an opening leading into the woods. We almost missed it, we almost didn’t walk down the path. Since childhood you worry that in the dark and scary places of life you might not make it back. Something scary could be out there. It could be “Willowman” waiting for you! Will Beckers of Belgium, is Floriade’s Willowman, his card describes him as a Land Art Artist. His medium is natural materials, primarily willow saplings that grow like wild in the wet forest. Clearing the small trees from the congested forests provide the material for Willowman’s creations.
Parrish Church, Dover, England
The old stone Parrish church in Dover is near the city center, across the street from the Eight Bells pub. Behind the church is a small cemetery with gravestones dating back to the 1800’s. It was a blustery day, temperature in the high 40’s, the sun going in and out behind the clouds.
Castle Gardens
Fairy tales and history classes shape our view of English Castles. Lords and ladies, moats and minions, land and lances, were the bits and pieces of the story from a distant time and place. Today the story is more of restoration, preservation, wealthy patrons and historical foundations struggling to keep a piece of the past alive.
Sunday Afternoon in Vondelpark, Amsterdam
An April day when the temperature doesn’t rise above 50 degrees and the sun slips behind the clouds every few minutes doesn’t sound like a perfect day in the park. Yet in Amsterdam the park is alive with families, lovers, friends. They walk, their dogs freely trot alongside. They ride the most amazing bicycles bringing the children with them. There are at least three seats on a single bicycle.
A sunny day in Kuekenhof
We had the great delight of visiting Keukenhof Gardens on a perfect spring day. Together we shot 903 photos. We were overwhelmed by the beauty in every direction. Here are a few of the beautiful scenes.
Floriade
Once a decade the Netherlands Horticulture Council organizes an exposition celebrating the contribution horticulture makes to life. This year’s theme is “be part of the theatre in nature: get closer to the quality of life.” The event is equal to a World’s Fair of outdoor delights, nature, food production and beauty. Participants from around the world showcase their garden style, their horticultural production, the natural beauty of their part of the planet.
Adventure 2012
We are packing for a trip to see tulips in the Netherlands, tiled courtyards in Spain, cork trees in Portugal, orchids in the Canary Islands, water gardens in Morocco, and iris in Giverny. A plan devised on new year’s eve has come together and the time for departure is near. We plan to update here with descriptions and photos so check back as you please. We will be wandering, wondering and noticing and love to share what we find.
Late in the day
We arrived late to the garden, about 3 p.m. I was anxious to arrive earlier but our day was busy and we couldn’t get there any sooner. Yet when I realized the garden was open until 8 p.m. I suddenly relaxed. Late in the day is a great time in a garden. The visitors are fewer, there are quite spots to sit and relax. Then to my great delight, a roadrunner sauntered out and began walking across the sidewalk. The wildlife likes late in the day as well.
Desert Botanical Luminaria
We wandered about the Desert Botanical garden last night. We bundled up and enjoyed the cool night for several hours. It had been a few years since we went to the Luminaria, our last time was in the rain and the chill remained keeping us away for a few years. It was a wonderful night this visit. Plus the garden has expanded and improved the venue. More lights on trees in addition to the luminaria. The musical groups have a larger staging area with chairs for listeners to stay awhile and enjoy the very talented groups that are playing.