Longwood Gardens and Summer’s Morning Light, Part Two

08 August 2013

Lens:

1. Shadows and Tree, Longwood Gardens, iPhone 4s, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013

2. Bench and Shadows, Longwood Gardens, iPhone 4s, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013

3. Backlit Leaves, Nikon DSLR, Longwood Gardens, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013

4. Giant Elephant’s-Ear, ‘Thailand Giant,’ Longwood Gardens, Nikon DSLR, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013

5. Longwood Hybrid Cannas, Longwood Gardens, Nikon DSLR, July 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013

Let me know which is your favorite and why.

Pens:

Not a gray tone in sight–the morning was perfectly illuminated for my visit to Longwood Gardens, which is one of the premier horticultural centers in my country. I’m fortunate that I can be strolling in its well-manicured gardens within less than an hour’s drive from my home.

As I entered the gardens, the sun broadly cast its spell across my pathway. Plants were perky and receptive to the glow. The sun seemed to stitch my way with love.

As scores of butterflies flitted here and there, Longwood’s staff was cutting and trimming. Flowers were tended with care and tenderness. It’s the best chain gang one can imagine. For my first post about this respite, click here.

Longwood Gardens offers so much that it is always memorable. I’ve taken courses and been privy to behind-the-scenes surprises. Never have I been disappointed. There is always some tiny or mammoth moment of engagement–informational, philosophical, spiritual, and visual.

Knowledge in one form or another is ever-present. But it is the chance for relaxation and quietude that is another pull for me.

More than any aspect of the experience is that tranquilizing effect. I walk away with more than I had upon arrival. I am enriched in most senses of the word.

Colorful Fountain Show, Longwood Gardens, Google Images

In the Lens section are my photographs that exemplify the morning’s themes: color, contrast, lighting, shadow, shape, tone–oh, the usual. During this visit the duo of light and shadow had my cup overflowing.

With assistance of the Gardens’ staff nature showed that she continues to provide the new. That combination of Mother Nature and human nature also delivered inventive interpretations of what we think that we have seen, but have not. It’s startling to be awed over and over and over and over.

Note: As always I welcome any comment about this post or any part of my blog. To view Part One from my last week’s visit to the gardens, click here. While Longwood Gardens draws most of its visitors for its horticultural splendor on its grounds and special exhibitions in its Conservancy, other programs are also attention-getting (e.g., daytime and nighttime fountain shows). They have a substantial educational component, and their performing arts programs are stellar. This year’s series is bubbling over with a tribute to “100 Years of Art” at Longwood Gardens. From their brochure: ” Our founder Pierre S. duPont believed in the idea of The Garden as Theatre–and we continue his vision today by presenting spectacular jazz, organ, classical, and world music performances.” Oh, do try to visit this place of wonder.