This seems to be the year for Ward and me to take small trips. This time we went north to central Pennsylvania to the area around State College upon the recommendation from a friend.
The first day started out bumpy with a forgotten wallet and heavy traffic from a big accident. Even with these annoyances, the 3 1/2 hour drive went well. After checking into the hotel, we found our first destination - The Penn State Arboretum. You know me, I love gardens and this one did not disappoint. It was beautiful with winding paths throughout. And while exploring the arboretum, we heard something that excites me almost as much as gardens--the drum cadence of a marching band. We followed the sound and ended up watching marching band practice for a while. Even with the starts and stops, it was still a fun thing to view. After that, we explored a nearby town where we had dinner. I'll tell you more about the town on another day when we had a return visit.
I had battery problems, so I only got pictures at the arboretum, but I got plenty of those. Below are a few, she says using the word "few" very loosely.
 |
| The thing I noticed the most about the landscaping was all of the plantings were layered. I knew the concept but had never seen it so beautifully executed in so many ways. |
 |
| Datura metel |
 |
The gardens emphasized the importance of bees.
This bee house was one of many bee habitats we saw. |
 |
| We were lucky to hear this impromptu lecture about how a beehive works. The beekeeper, who was visiting with his mother-in-law, was quite knowledgeable. |
 |
| This was the only rose still blooming in the fragrance garden. |
 |
| This was a new-to-me black-eyed Susan. |
 |
| Also, a different kind of sunflower that I had not seen before. |
 |
| This garden telescope was part of the Children's Garden, perhaps, my favorite part of the arboretum. |
 |
| Model of coral in children's area. |
 |
| Simulated cave environment in children's area. |
Next time, I'll tell you about day two when we went indoors to explore local history.
That looks like an ideal mini-vacay for you and Ward. Seems the weather cooperated for you. I especially like the children's area pictures that you featured.
ReplyDeleteThe weather did cooperate. Even though every day was cloudy with occasional misty rain, there was never enough to cause any problems. And we had daytime temps in the 60's and 70's.
DeleteThe children's area featured three main areas of the physical landscapes of central PA and its vegetation. I only showed a small portion of it. I thought the whole project was very creative and educational.
That looks like such a fun place to visit! I love visiting gardens. Haven't done much of that these past couple of years, though!
ReplyDeleteWe visit gardens most places we go. Luckily, we both enjoy them. Hopefully soon, you will feel comfortable visiting places again, but in the meantime you have an interesting garden at your house.
DeleteI love that spiral of squash with the plants. The whole display would be fatally attractive to me. Wish I was travelling with you!
ReplyDeleteThat was some display, wasn't it? Besides the permanent plants, the whole arboretum was full with pumpkins and mums. I don't know if they grew them all or not. They have a quite extensive agricultural program at the university.
DeleteI guess the best we can do for now is to share pictures of our trips. Maybe someday we can do one together.
I'm the same with marching bands, especially high-school and college ones. We were in Nashville back in the Spring, and walking around the lovely Vanderbilt campus, I heard the distant, distinct sound of a marching band. We "followed the sound" and ended up at the Vanderbilt stadium where the Spring Football game/practice was going on. It was free so we went in and enjoyed the game for about 15-20 minutes, but especially the band, mostly a small group of members, who were very enthusiastic. It was great.
ReplyDeleteIn my book, nothing will compare to the WVU band, but I am a sucker for almost any marching band. BTW, did you know that Ward was in the Marching Virginians a VPI?
Delete"I did not know that."
DeleteForgot to add that the Penn State band is surely awesome.
ReplyDeleteThey were very impressive in practice.
Delete