Clipper City Rail Trail Gardens in Newburyport Massachusetts

In June, I was surprised to discover a gem on a visit to Newburyport Massachusetts. The Clipper City Rail Trail is a public walk along the path that was used for trains long ago. The trail is dotted with sculptures and pocket gardens. I took some video of my favorite garden spots along the walk for Sprouts YouTube channel. 

Come join me on a relaxing walk along the Clipper City Rail Trail.

Signs of a late Spring Start-Portland, OR

Love these rock garden plants in their full Spring glory! 

A carpet of color on a front garden border

A view of a rock garden border on my street



I like the color of these tulips

Rhododendrons in full bloom 

Unknown flowering tree

Lilacs

Blooming in my garden right now

A pot of succulents at the Community Garden

A mini bouquet of herbs that I made for my new rabbit

Flowers in Lake Placid Village Part 3

 Before we talk flowers, I want to show you this view from the 1980 Olympic Arena. What a great view of the international flags with the mountains off in the distance. Our campground was somewhere in those mountains. If you look very carefully, you can see the outline of the ski jump a few miles away.

 Now back to the flowers of Lake Placid. I thought this grouping in a pretty container was very interesting combination of flowers and colors.

  I love these this container filled with all yellow even better! I especially love those petunias so much I want to find some for myself next year.

  These two shop windows have lovely plantings in rustic stone boxes.

Below is a shot of some flowers planted near the Olympic arenas- what a pretty combination of white, pink and yellow.

 These black-eyed Susans overlook the commemorative plaque for the Sonia Henie Ice Fountain.

  This clock and stone planter, to me, typify the charming style of Lake Placid.

 And another beautifully planted stone garden near the arenas and vistor center. I love the unique combination of flowers planted alongside a spruce tree.

  Another day of our trip was over. We shared a pizza as the sun set on the Olympic village of Lake Placid.

Next stop....the King's Garden at Fort Ticonderoga.

Flowers Around Town: Beautiful Kennebunkport, Maine

For those of you who have never been to Kennebunkport, Maine, I recently took some photos to give you a virtual tour showcasing the lovely flower displays found all around the port. Kennbunkport is one of my favorite places to visit, so I try to get there several times a year. On my most recent visit a few weeks ago, I was delighted to find so many beautiful flower displays.

 I'm not sure the variety of the red potted flowers above, but what a beautiful accent for this arbor. What a view!

A lovely border...

 The bridge across the river is adorned with boxes of annuals.

All along the sidewalks of Kennebunkport you will find these boat planters filled with different annuals.

 Here's another example...

 ...and another.

 Most shops have some kind of window box or tiny garden.

I love this school of fish!

 How clever are these geese sculptures?

How about this unique display of succulents outside one shop?

Another shot of the bridge of flowers.

On this side of the bridge, you will see the marina and businesses along the river.

 

If you ever have a chance to visit Kennebunkport in person, do! In the meantime, I'll continue to bring you posts when I visit. Stay tuned for a September tour of the Franciscan Monastery gardens to be posted soon...

Flowers at Willowbrook

I'd like to share with you a pretty, old fashioned perennial border at the Durgin Moore House at Willowbrook. We visited Willowbrook this past weekend and had a lovely time despite some rain. Willowbrook is a 19th Century open air history museum located in Newfield, Maine. If you'd like to see more photos of the buildings and vistas, check it out at my family blog here.

Flowers Around Storyland In Glen NH White Mountains

Yesterday my family visited Storyland in Glen, NH. Taking the kids to Storyland is a tradition going back a generation or two for many New England families. Storyland is nestled in the White Mountains which makes for a lovely drive to a scenic area. While there, I couldn't resist snapping some shots of the gardens and planters. We saw gardeners at work keeping the grounds beautiful. As far as amusement parks go, Storyland is one of the prettiest I've seen, thanks to their creative gardeners. I thought you'd like to see some of their work.

 On the bridge leading to Cinderella's Castle.

Window box on The Three Bear's Cottage.

Gardens by the Antique German Carosel.

 A planter looking out on the swan bridge.

 Cinderella's garden.

 Planter on the Swan Bridge.

An Asian style garden at the Bamboo Chutes log flume ride.

Below: This plant was used in borders along walkways. I have never seen it before but the leaves look like maple leaves. Anyone know what it is?

 Below: Some window boxes in the village near Heidi and Grandfather's house.

For information about Storyland visit http://www.storylandnh.com/

If you'd like to see more pictures from around Storyland, please visit my family blog here.

Flowers Around Town: Salem in the Summer

On a recent visit to Salem, Massachusetts, I admired the summer flowers. The pansies we saw in the spring have given way to summer blossoms around town.