Happy Friday GPODers!
If you’ve been following GPOD over the past few months, you’ve probably heard me profess my love for woody plants, particularly trees. So when Judith Vihonski sent an email asking if I’d be interested in seeing photos from her trip to a 30-acre arboretum last fall, I was thrilled. Judith has shared her garden in the past, so be sure to check that out (Judith’s Garden Adapting to Challenges) before or after you enjoy her lovely tour of this botanical garden treasure.
Laurelwood, an arboretum located in the Pines Lake section of Wayne, NJ, is a botanical gem. I took these photos on an autumn walk last year, and I am looking forward to what this season will bring. As you travel the gravel paths, you are treated hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas as well as a plethora of unusual plants and trees. Ponds, streams, hillsides, bridges, and a sculpture trail complement the 30 acre park.
When I scrolled through these photos from Judith, the first thing that came to mind was peace and serenity. I can almost feel the cool, crisp in the air and hear the leaves rustling in the breeze. It gave me a little bit of a crazy idea. Instead of talking on and on about the beautiful colors, calming streams and winding paths, I want the photos to talk to you. Scroll through the images below slowly, take some deep breaths, and start your Friday on a virtual walk through this spectacular arboretum. Try to listen to what the trees have to say, find inspiration for the fall season that is rolling out ahead of us, and simply take a moment for yourself.
Take in all of the vibrant colors, the diverse textures.
Imagine you can smell the flowers, that earthy scent that’s always in the air when you’re surrounded by lush nature.
Pretend you can feel the wood and gravel paths beneath your feet.
Pretend the sun feels warm and comforting on your face.
The shade is chilly, but refreshing. The first taste of the cooler months to come.
Leaves rustle and send out magical sounds into the open space.
The long blades of ornamental grasses have their own tune, mixing and harmonizing with the rest of the foliage choir.
All joined by the gentle sounds of water.
Transport yourself to that gazebo, imagine you’re that person. Simply enjoying this scene and worrying about nothing but this moment of peace.
Get lost in the little details, from the reflections on the water to the plants way out in the background.
Admire the little things, from the texture of the bark on the trees to the patterns in the fallen leaves.
Thank you so much for sharing this incredible place and your beautiful photos with us, Judith. I don’t know about all of you, but I’m feeling fabulous after that virtual walk in nature. Now all that’s left is to to see this all in person… I know I’ll be adding it to my itinerary on my next trip to or through New Jersey.
Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed this switch-up to my regular commentary. If you enjoyed this meditative, virtual garden walk maybe we’ll do it again. And either way, I hope you all have a lovely, plant-filled weekend!
Have a garden you’d like to share?
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
– 1-1/8-inch stroke length
– Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set
You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
– 1-1/8-inch stroke length
– Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
– DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Quick and easy to put into operation and is less noisy and lighter in weight than gas-powered hedge trimmers.
– 38 x 7 x 7 inches
– 6.9 pounds
– 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)
