Another visit to Magnolia Gardens, May 2008

A return visit to the beautiful and historic Magnolia Gardens last weekend brought fresh evidence of the splendor and tranquility of this 500-acre wildlife refuge and informally landscaped English-style garden. Whereas a couple of months ago, azaleas and camellias were at their peak bloom, last Saturday the beds were filled with countless varieties of summer-blooming flowers, and, of course, iris along the banks of the small lakes filled with cypress trees.

I now I have membership at this very special garden only about a half hour from home, and can walk the paths and trails any time of year now without having to pay the admission price. I will plan on upcoming visits to bring my backpack and water and a couple of good books to read while I rest on a bench and listen to the sound of birds or the wind in the trees.

Here are photos from last Saturday's visit: Magnolia Gardens, May 18, 2008

These photos are from my visit in early April: Magnolia Gardens, April 2008

You can compare the views at two very different times of seasonal blooming.