Azaleas

After church yesterday I drove over to Norton Art Gallery to enjoy what many locals enjoy during this time of year. The gardens on site behind the museum. They are at their peak right now. It’s like being at The Masters! (Go ahead and click on the link. I’ll wait for you. You will see what I’m talking about.) In recent years they (whoever does this) have created many new flower beds, added literally hundreds of Japanese maple trees – multiple varieties, new dogwoods, and a very cool rock and cactus garden lining the whole back wall of the museum.The dogwood had pretty much ended flowering, but the snowball viburnum were spectacular.

There were the expected excited moms and dads getting post-Easter pictures of their little ones sitting on the bridges or perched among the flowers. Hikers by the dozen, walking the trails and resting on the many benches. Photographers taking senior class pictures, family photos, maybe an engagement photo, and some, just soaking it all in just because. Most people I know have pictures of their children taken at Norton during “the azaleas.” I have them, too, and it’s such a relaxing time for me to wander up and down the walk, watching everyone else have their moments there, and taking in the amazing view. There are a couple of benches down by the little pond at the bottom and it was nice to soak up a few rays and watch the scurry of activity.

I wish you the peace and beauty that I found yesterday in a hidden garden. If you live nearby, grab your lunch and head down there this week. I’ll save you a seat!