Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

As I often like to point out, the Washington area has a plethora of fantastic sights to see. In the 17 years I have lived in the region, I am still visiting great places for the first time! For example, earlier this summer a friend and I took time to explore the Basilica of the National Shrine. Another beautiful spot in Northeast Washington is the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a small national park which is so unusual that it is featured on the postal stamps which were released in June to celebrate the National Park Service's 100th anniversary. Two of my friends had lived near the gardens for several years, but even they had not managed to check out this hidden gem, so the three of us headed there on a very warm and sunny weekend morning. Wow -- we were all disappointed we'd not made it there earlier! So beautiful!

Other than many ponds with beautiful blossoms, the gardens also have a great boardwalk out into a marsh and a trail to the Anacostia River.

Us tall folk had to be extra cautious here!

From April 1 throught October 31, the gardens are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I recommend going first thing in the morning when the gardens are in bloom, as there is little protection from the hot Washington sun, and lots of competition from ideal photographs from other photographers and visitors.

The gardens are also open the rest of the year from 8:00am to 4:00pm. There is no entrance fee, which is always a bonus! When you arrive, be sure to check on the climate change observation post near the entrance. Take photos from each of the prescribed positions, and submit them to help scientists track changes in our climate!

Butterflies and Flowers at Meijer Gardens

While I have many visits to Meijer Gardens under my belt -- including at Christmas-time and in the summer more than once and fall, this was my first experience with the hugely popular butterfly exhibit. It snowed the day we visited, which led to scenes like this with vibrant spring flowers inside, and large snowflakes outside...

and this, from the warm and humid conservatory where the butterflies live...

Once inside the conservatory, it was easy to forget the bone-chilling temperatures outside as colorful butterflies of various sizes flitted about the bright greenery and lovely flowers, enchanting young and old alike.

Enjoying rotting fruit. These butterflies had bright blue interior wings -- but were impossible to photograph while flying.

If you look closely, you can see a bit of the blue!

Upon exiting the exhibit, we had to spin around in front of an employee to ensure that no butterfly was trying to hitch a ride out on us!

We spent some time in the other conservatories, as well.

No idea what this is -- but it's so cool!

Checking out the caterpillars -- not so easy to spot!

An explosion of colors and scents!

My new favorite flower - so intricate, so beautiful!

These goofballs also enjoyed our Meijer Gardens visit!

Longwood Gardens: The Children's Garden

Because winter can get a tad dreary in the Northern Hemisphere, I share with you more colorful photos from my Longwood Gardens visit. You may read previous posts about that trip here and here. Within the gigantic conservatory, there is a corner designed to be enjoyed by children, although it is not particularly interactive unless one wishes to stick one's hand into various water fountains -- which of course can be fun!

These serpents and the boiling cauldron were particularly impressive!

A peaceful corner...

This bird blew bubbles in the water every so often. Yellow light is from the stained glass window.

And in keeping with bird theme, later outside in the gardens I spotted a real bird - apparently a red-tailed hawk.

Even more Longwood photos to follow eventually!

Longwood Gardens: Orchids and More

My December visit to the beautiful Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania was timed so that I could see the popular Christmas displays, but the indoor greenhouses are so impressive that they deserve a post of their own. Well, actually more than just one post, otherwise I will overwhelm you with a hundred photos! Thus, below is a small selection of orchids and other flowers. If the cold winter temperatures have you longing for warmer weather, may these colorful blossom remind you that spring and summer will eventually come!

I've no idea what this is - but I love it!

Just some of the many orchids!

More Longwood photos to follow in the future!