Quote of the Day: John Muir
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
I can’t help but thing about John Muir and his writings when I’m in a national park, especially one that he spent a lot of time in.
Yesterday, Mr Chiots and I went bike riding in Acadia National Park. In the morning, the roads were closed to car traffic, which made for a wonderful time. When the roads opened back up we drove the loop to get in all the wonderful scenery, stopping at places we hadn’t on previous trips.
You really can’t help but be in awe of nature when you are in places like this. When we garden we try to create beauty in our little corner of the world, but it really is at its best when left alone. We’re lucky to have such a treasure so close to our home.
What’s your favorite national park?
Susy, my favorite place is not a national park but a garden called “Lauritzen Gardens”. It’s a botanical 100 acre garden started over three decades ago and is funded with private contributions of which the Lauritzen family is a major donor. Much of the work involved with grooming and up keep is done by volunteers. Different sections of the gardens are dedicated to different things such as roses, marsh land for ducks, etc. It’s never tiring to take a stroll through all the different parts of the garden. Since it’s near the Missouri river, benches have been placed in strategic places on the elevated parts of the wooded areas to accommodate a breath taking view of the river. This time of the year the gardens are filled with new plants which are all grown in 12 different giant green houses. One weekend during the Spring, a plant sale is hosted by the garden with all plants that have been grown in their green house. It’s a wonderful place to visit and is only about 20 minutes from my home. So when I need inspiration in reality gardening, that’s were I go.
Have a great holiday.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
Our favorite National Park is Zion is southern Utah. The hikes and views took my breath away; the landscape through the tunnel completely changes to different rock formations and more of a desert whilst the hikes we did were surrounded by trees and water. I love how each of them has something special and unique, even the State Parks. I can’t wait to visit the other parks and get close to nature and all that is beautiful here.
to EmsyDoodle's comment
My sister and I were in Buchard Garden on Vancouver Island barely a week ago. It’s a wonderful place to visit, planted in an abandoned stone quarry about 1905. It’s been expanded several times and is quite remarkable. The variety of plantings is amazing, including a couple Redwoods well outside their normal range.
to Pat in Lincoln Nebraska's comment