Historic Garden Tour - Annapolis Royal

I've just finished editing what seems like months of photos. Somehow the summer is nearly half past, and I find my list of posts to write is longer than ever. One of the posts I've been looking forward to sharing with you is a recent visit to the Historic Gardens in Annapolis Royal. While all of the grounds are beautiful and offer a wide variety of garden styles and colours to enjoy, these are my favourite highlights. It's become a tradition to drive down and visit at the beginning of July, right when the roses are in bloom.

First is the little sitting area and the formal Knot Garden beside it.

The archway that leads into the original Governor's garden is also lovely. I love the boxwoods under these ancient apple trees, and the espaliers growing on the lattice.

I always find the lily pads in the ponds enchanting.

The Old Acadian home is also so interesting to wander around and peek inside, offering a glimpse at what life was like for the first settlers in Nova Scotia.

The Innovation garden is also interesting if you have any sort of kitchen garden. They highlight different planting philosophies and techniques.

And finally, the Rose Garden.

We happened to arrive between showers, and managed to make our way through the grounds while the rain fell softly. The roses were just past their peak, but they were still a sight. Dripping with rain, they seemed to bow every which way, their petals littering the walkways below and their fragrance hanging in the humid air.

As always, just stunning. I highly recommend making the trip if you find yourself in the area.

 

Welcoming Spring

Spring has officially arrived, and while it seems that Winter is lingering, it won't be long before there isn't any doubt that the seasons have in fact changed.

We decided to celebrate by taking the boys to the Butterfly Conservatory at the Botanical Gardens. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. There were thousands of butterflies fluttering about the conservatory, each with intricate patterns and vibrant colours. They went from flower to flower as you walked around the tropical oasis, basking in the warm climate and being soothed by the sounds of the water. The boys were also excited for the Nocturnal exhibit, which consisted of every creature that was unsettling to mom - rats, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, bats and lots of cockroaches, I did however impress Willen when I held an actual tarantula.

I've decided that this Summer I would like to make a trip back when the gardens are in full bloom.

I've been forcing Forsythia blooms for the past couple weeks, and I thought it was perfectly fitting that their brilliant yellow blooms began to open today.

A couple of days ago, hints of yellow started to peek through.

Aren't the delicate flowers cheerful?

I've spent the remainder of the day reading and enjoying the sunshine.

Did you notice the change of lampshades in the photos? I had pinned a reference guide to lamp shades a little while ago and recently found these square lamp shades for a couple of my alabaster lamps. They were only $14.99 at Home Sense. I do like the more traditional style shade. The round drum shades are more suitable for modern decor. I'm still looking for bell shaped shades, as they too have a more traditional feel.

Happy First Day of Spring.