Friday, April 17, 2009

A Dally in the Gardens



When a sparkling sunny day dawned after days of rain, I took a break and spent the day as a tourist.


Susette suggested the gardens at, Dumbarton Oaks in nearby Georgetown.


A lovely way to spend a sunny day, thank you!

The gardens, were a collaboration between Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss the owners, and esteemed landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand that began in 1921. Including formal and informal, gardens and "outdoor rooms" it covers 16 acres, and includes elements of French, English and Italian gardens the three admired.

The gardens range from formal, near the house, getting progressively less formal the further you travel down the slopes and away down the hill.

Charming paths, terraces and allées take you from one theme to the next.


a place to knit

My favorite, was the Lilac Circle, a small quiet place with comforting tiny spring bulbs and the heavenly scent of lilacs. Here I spent a happy half hour knitting. As I left, I heard a chortle of delight "I found the pretty place!". Looking back, screened by foliage, I saw a tiny garden fairy, arms outstretched spin and twirl in the circle! Bliss. Soon joined by her family, I was lucky to have caught such a magical, joyful moment of pure childhood abandon.

small and private

Garden hours are 2:00pm-6:00pm, the absolute worst for picture taking, but I've got more here.

1 comment:

Unionpearl said...

I'm so glad you went, Mary Jane! Dumbarton Oaks really is magic. My husband & I were engaged there one Spring in the not-too-distant past. It's full of delights and surprises, which your pictures have captured so well. Happy Spring!