[Garden bench, Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary; 11am, 6/2/0/09]
The gardens at Habitat can only be reached by going through the nearly century-old house that serves as Habitat's visitor center. Saturday was the first time this year that I've been there that I was able to go in and explore. While the sanctuary's 87-acres of woods, meadows and ponds are well maintained, the formal gardens offer a bit of nature tamed and ordered for humans rather than wildlife.
Saturday was the day before the summer solstice, which was officially at 1:45am Sunday morning. Just about one year ago at last summer's solstice, I discovered the gardens after ducking inside the center during a rain shower. There were no downpours this weekend, as I mentioned in my last post, only soft drizzle with the sun occasionally nearly breaking through. It's been a very wet, cool June (after a long, snowy winter). At least no one's had to water the gardens.
They say the weather should break break tomorrow, with temperatures rising, a bit more sun (though party cloudy and subject to showers), and humid. We'll be complaining of the heat before long, I'm sure. But right now we're all waiting for summer's gate to swing wide open.
Lovely photos, Leslee. The ironwork reminds me of Paris and London. It's been unusually dry here for over a month and we could use some of that rain. This morning it's gently raining, soft as you wrote, we hope it'll keep going enough to give the garden a drink. For you, I wish sunshine!
Posted by: marja-leena | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I have to confess, I've been loving this weather. I know most folks find constant rain depressing, but...I love the cool temperatures & don't mind the mist. I guess I could happily live in Seattle!
J & I are flying to Atlanta this weekend for another Red Sox pilgrimage, and it will be a huge shock to go from cool mistiness to "real" summer. I'm sure it will be hot & muggy here in Boston when we get back. (sigh)
Posted by: Lorianne | Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 11:48 AM
the photos are beautiful. we await summer with you - it will arrive in both places very soon. i have worn jackets several times recently, and in the early mornings must wear a heavy robe while sitting in the courtyard. i hope july doesn't scorch us to death!
Posted by: sky | Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 04:12 AM
and since it's the time of the Glastonbury festival we are waiting for our annual monsoon
Posted by: Mouse | Friday, June 26, 2009 at 02:19 AM
That wildlife sanctuary is a real find, isn't it?
Nice to see Ingrid again too!
Posted by: Lucy | Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 04:44 AM