My World Tuesday

Thank you Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy and Louise for hosting My World. You can see other ‘My World’ photos or join in and share your own by clicking on their icon above.

All this week's meme contributions from me will be from our afternoon spent at Meadowlark Gardens. It is a wonderful place for a walk. We meandered along the paths that took us through several themed gardens. On a hot day like we had my favorite area this time was the shade garden but this was the first time we had enjoyed many trees and flowers blooming. We will go back again once Spring is over and the summer flowers put on a show.

The area was once farmland donated by an economist, Gardiner Means. It is now a 100-acre horticultural park, one of the largest in Northern Virginia. Large varieties of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants have been planted there that are native to the Potomac River Valley region of Virginia.

Gregg was a little ways ahead of me and I was lagging behind taking photographs of flowers and trees.

Ever beautiful Daffodils and Coral Bells.

This is the ruin of an old springhouse. A marker nearby said that in the old days springhouses did the job of refrigerators. This one served the occupants of the farm from the 18th through to the early 20th century.

It was built directly over the spring and shaded by trees. Cool spring water flowing into the structure was channeled into troughs of varying depths before flowing out the other side. Whitewashing inside and out sealed the loosely mortared, thick stone walls and provided a clean surface on the interior. Barred vents in the side walls allowed fresh air to circulate and kept out animals. Even in summer dairy foods, fresh produce and other perishables could last several days in sealed containers partially submerged in the troughs. Less perishable foods such as salted or smoked meat, pickles, cider and wine were stored up in the loft spaces and on shelves built into the walls. The spring also provided water for drinking and washing for the house located to the north, up the hill behind the barn.

Our walk took us around Lake Lena.

Gregg taking photos of something, not sure what. We are standing on the wooden path leading to the gazebo.

A toddler is fascinated with a Canada Goose.

The same goose attracts the attention of a couple who are walking by. This gentleman is the guitarist and singer from my video a few posts back. If you are interested you can click here.

This sun decoration is on the outside chimney wall of the visitors centre.