Garden flowers

During quarantine, I am not going out to gardens to photograph gorgeous planned gardens.  Many of us are learning to appreciate the simple things life has to offer.  

We are having a flower competition soon in the St. Mary’s County Camera Club, so I photographed some of my garden flowers. Most of our summer flowers are now done blooming.  I thought they were pretty and 3 makes a nice number. 

Biltmore Estate Gardens Oct 25, 2017

The Biltmore Gardens were quite beautiful.  I didn't expect to see so much color in late October.

These photos not for sale.

Mums and pampas grass in the Walled Garden

There were many photographic frames that I couldn't resist

Orchids

Conservatory

Ginger

Lady slipper orchid

Orchids

Pitcher plants

Pheasant in the Azalea garden

Azalea Garden

Biltmore by the Italian Gardens

I was sort of annoyed that I missed the boathouse and the lagoon reflection of the Biltmore, since I couldn't find either, even after asking for directions. I did find the Bass Lake near sunset and saw the manmade waterfall.

Sunset

Inn on Biltmore Estate

Windmill Island Garden, Holland Michigan

The gardens seem fairly authentic. The real 251 year old De Zwaan windmill was purchased in 1964 and it's run by a female miller.   Other attractions include a flower garden, an Amsterdam street organ and a carousel.  In May, the gadens exhibit 115,000 blooming tulips.

     De Zwaan windmill

     Looking up!  The miller can position the sails to create messages to nearby residents, such as the mill is running or not, birth, marriage or mourning.

     Costumed guide

     Sarita couldn't go in the windmill and a nice employee offered to watch her.

      Communication with the top floor.

    The millstone to grind the grain.

     The gears

     Bridge to the island where the windmill is located with costumed guide..

     Gardens

      Gift shops

Goose on the Loose

A wild goose wandered into our driveway and gardens and stood within 5 feet of Jim.  It investigated our sundial and took a shower while Jim watered the new grass seedlings.  Most of these are grooming photos after taking the shower.  Amazing and amusing interactions!  The goose shower is posted on youtube at http://youtu.be/bydEHmN5_3A