Monday, June 13

Gorgeous Gardens: St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery in Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine has many beautiful gardens. One we visit often is St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery. It tops the list of my favorite places to spend an afternoon.

The monastery grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are always beautiful. This time of year grand rhodondendrons are in bloom all over the grounds. So, I have posted way too many photos here to share the beauty with you. I couldn't choose just a few.
We are welcomed at the gate with two shades of pink.
 The view of the grotto surrounded in blooms.
 Iris and poppies flower in the main garden.
 A view from the portico.
 This path lined with rhododendrons...
 ...leads to something special just around the corner.

 and along a woodland path, the most precious bloom of all- a lady's slipper.
Woodland paths meander along the river to views of the marina.
 
My photos are only a sampling of the flowers and views from the 66 acre monastery grounds. The monastery is open to the public, so if you are ever in the Kennebunkport area, be sure to stop for a visit.

To see monastery winter photos click here.
To see monastery Autumn photos click here.
To visit the Monastery Guest House website click here.

What to do when it is just too Darn hot to Garden?

It has been a very hot summer everywhere. From what I have been told it is normal to get 100 plus days from the months here from  May to Oct...