Tag Archives: New Englaand

2023 Vintage Lawn Party (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: September 17, 2023

Location: Salem Willows, Salem, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston or 1 hour southeast of Concord, NH)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking lots in the Salem Willows area

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Antique cars, people dressed and vintage wear and music from a bygone era were in abundance at the Salem Vintage Lawn party.

If you yearn for a simpler time before social media, phones and Kardashians, then the Vintage Lawn Party in Salem, MA, is a must see!

The lawn party, which began in 2018, then took a break due to Covid, was back in full swing earlier this month.

From vintages dresses to fashionable headwear, people came dressed in their best 1920s wear.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adjusting my settings in post production and using sepia, black and white and other photo settings to bring the true feel of that era to life and to give them an aged feel.

Dancers from all ages and skill levels were welcome to the event.

Annie and the Fur Traders provided vintage music from an earlier era.

There were also antique cars and pop up shops selling items from an earlier era.

Now that the event has passed, we’ve all gone back to the modern world. But it’s always fun to take a step back in time!

Annie and the Fur Traders performing at the Vintage Lawn Party


Drastic Park (Windsor, CT)

Date Of Visit: September 9, 2023

Location: Corner of Clapp Rd North, Windsor, CT Route 159 (10 minutes north of Hartford, CT or 1.5 hours southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There is no parking lot or places to park at Drastic Park. But, you can park on the shoulder of the road on the corner of Clapp Road North.

Summary: Three sculpted monsters in the shape of dinosaurs are located on the corner of Clapp Rd North.

You don’t have to go to Universal Studios or the museum to see dinosaurs. They’re “alive and well” in Windsor, CT!

But, these dinosaurs don’t have bones, tusks or horns. The dinosaurs at Clapp Rd North are made of railroad ties, excavator buckets, air tanks, and other bits of scrap metal welded together. 

The sculptures all have names loosely based on the names of actual dinosaurs.

The first dinosaur-like creature is called Erysocialismop.

The second sculpture is called Alloliberalsaurus.

And the third sculpture in the group is called  Tuoujangocommunisaurus.

The sculptures were made by a heavy equipment contractor named Lon Pelton. Over the years, they have gone through some transformations. But, luckily, they have just been re-painted recently before my visit.

While these dinosaurs may seem friendly, don’t pet them or try to feed them! They seem to do just fine finding food on their own!


Green Animals Topiary Garden 2023 (Portsmouth, RI)

Date Of Visit: July 24, 2023

Location: 380 Corys Ln, POrtsmouth, RI (30 mins south of Providence, RI and 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, children under 6 get in free (you can also purchase combo tickets for tours of the mansions in Newport, RI, on their website). Customers are encouraged to purchase tickets for timed entry on their website. (special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, details are on their website)

Parking: There are about 50 free parking spots located across from the topiary (see below for additional info about parking)

All visitor parking for Green Animals is in the St. Philomena School parking lot. The only entrance to Green Animals is from the St. Philomena parking lot from June 17 – August 27. There will be no access to enter the property from the Green Animals parking lot.

Universally Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Summary: Dozens of carefully clipped green sculpted shapes are scattered around the 7 acre topiary. There is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney made out of Lego Bricks. Audio self guided tours are also available.

The numerous parks, sanctuaries and zoos in Rhode Island aren’t the only places in the Ocean State to see animals.

While they may not be as cuddly or cute, the animals at the Rhode Island Green Animals Topiary are just as impressive. The well kept topiary includes a variety of animals such as an elephant, giraffe and a human being.

But, there are so many more animals in this well kept exhibit.

But not all of the greenery is sculpted into animals. They were also trimmed into an airplane, heart and arch.

The 7 acre topiary also has pretty flowers and beautiful views.

As if this wasn’t fun enough, there is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney. The Sean Kenney Nature Connects is a special exhibit of several art sculptures entirely made of Lego Bricks.

Each exhibit has a sign with information about each animal. The sculptures are listed below. Due to the dimensions and textures of the Lego bricks, the images look better in their full image size. You may want to look at the in full size or zoom in to see them better.

Peacock

Bird Bath (yes those pesky critters use even fake bird baths!)

Buck

Fawn and Doe

Hummingbird

Butterfly

Ant Hill. This cute display has holes for people to stick their heads into while they pose for photos.

Turtle

Rose

Dragonfly

Spider (I’m still having nightmares about this one!)

Wheelbarrow and gardener

Bumble Bee

Remember, these are made entirely out of Lego bricks! I had to keep reminding myself of this as I photographed each one. Also, if you do get lost or can’t keep track of where the Lego brick sculptures are there signs to help point you in the correct directions!

While the topiary is scheduled to remain open until October 1, the Nature Connects exhibit will only be at the topiary through September 10. Just make sure to not step on any of the Legos when you visit!


Original Dunkin’ Donuts (Quincy, MA)

Date Of Visit: July 8, 2023

Location: 543 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA

You can’t throw a rock, or a bagel for that matter, in Massachusetts without hitting a Dunkin Donuts. But, among all of these coffee shops, there’s a special one in Quincy, MA.

Like many successful companies, the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise had humble beginnings.

The origins of what would become Dunkin’ Donuts began during World War II when a shipyard worker decided to provide food options for his co-workers. William Rosenberg, a worker at the Fore River Shipyard based on the Quincy and Weymouth areas, noticed there weren’t many eating options for his coworkers and himself at the time. While this is far from the case now, Quincy did not have a wide variety of dining options.

Initially, William opened the “Industrial Luncheon Services” with a $1,000 loan and another $1,500 start up money. “Industrial Luncheon Services” was a a food truck that sold sandwiches, coffee, doughnuts, and other snacks.

William noticed that at least 50% of the food and drinks he sold were doughnuts and coffee. So, William decided to start a food business that focused on these foods and renamed his business “Open Kettle.”

Eventually, in 1950, William would open a brick and mortar store at its current location, 543 Southern Artery. After noticing many of his customers dunked their doughnuts in their coffee, William changed the name of his shop to “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

While many of the Dunkin’ Donuts coffee shops updated their decor and designs, the Dunkin’ Donuts on Southern Artery went in another direction. In December, 2011, the shop was “retro-renovated” to honor its original look.

From the original outside design to the indoor decor, the shop on Southern Artery transformed to a coffee shop from back in time.

The interior of the Dunkin’ Donuts has a mural of a photo of the original Dunkin Donuts and a display of the various logos the company has used over the years.

While the logos, design, dining options and decor may have changed at many of the coffee shops, one things remain clear; New Englanders still love their Dunkin’ Donuts.

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New Hampshire Marine Memorial (Hampton Beach, Hampton, MA)

Dates Of Visits:

Location: Hampton Beach,

Parking:

Cost: Free

New England has a long history of sea faring servicemen and women. Tragically, some of these people were lost to the sea.

These people may have been lost but they are not forgotten. Certainly not by the people of Hampton, New Hampshire or the people who visit the New Hampshire Marine Memorial.

Each year, thousands of people take selfies, admire the beauty of the statue or sit on the bench at the memorial.

I took these photos of the memorial on two different days. The first set of photos were taking after I took photos of the sand sculptures from this year’s Sand Sculpting Classic at Hampton Beach and the second set were taken on June 25. Since there are usually crowds there, I went early to avoid the crowds and to get the photos with the serene morning light.

Dedicated to all New Hampshire servicepersons lost at sea due to warfare, the New Hampshire Marine Memorial is a mid-sized statue of New England granite on a tiered granite base. A woman holding a wreath casts her gaze along the water.

Inscribed on the upper (middle) step is the phrase BREATHE SOFT, YE WINDS, YE WAVES IN SILENCE REST. These words are from a poem by John Gay, written in 1714, in his “An Epistle to a Lady.” 

Originally, 248 names in 10 rows were added to the back of the memorial with the state seal at each end. Sadly, over time, names have been added. The last name added was on Aug 6, 2022 when Marine Cpl. Jonathan Currier’s name was added to the monument. The 21 year old Cpl. Currier, from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, went overboard in the Sulu Sea off the Philippine coast on Aug. 9, 2018.

What few people may know is the memorial didn’t start out as a memorial. What would become one of the most recognizable memorials in New Hampshire, if not New England, originally began as a grave marker.

William E. Downs of Manchester, NH, had inquired see if the federal government would furnish a grave marker for his son, Captain William D Downs, who was buried at sea May 25, 1945. Little did he know at the time his request would result in such a well known memorial for all service people lost at sea. The memorial would go on to become a memorial to all New Hampshire sons and daughters lost or buried at sea during World War II. In fact, it would go on to remember those lost after World War II.

However, the quest to get the memorial built was a long one. Initially, Downs’ request to have a grave marker built was denied. But Downs did not give up. After many proposals, such as placing the memorial at “Pulpit Rock” at Rye Beach and, after that proposal fell through, “Ragged Neck” at Rye Harbor, Downs was able to gain the support of a memorial from Governor Sherman Adams in 1950. Eventually, the then Governor Hugh Gregg agreed to have the memorial built at Hampton Beach. The statue was dedicated on May 30, 1957 (fittingly Memorial Day). On Veterans Day, 1970, the American Legion Post 35 of the Hamptons, dedicated two flag poles at the monument, which fly the American and state flags.

As you can tell by the events and actions outlined below, there were a lot of people involved in the creation of this memorial.

A design by Concord (NH) resident Alice E. Cosgrove was approved for the 12 foot statue.

Cambridge, Massachusetts sculptor, Teodors Uzarins, was commissioned to model the life-size statue in clay at the Caproni Galleries in Boston. Uzarins, worked closely with Alice, to produce the features that everyone who has seen it remembers.

A 24-ton granite block from Swenson’s Granite Quarries of Concord to sculpt the memorial. That 24 ton granite block was then shipped to Barre, Vermont where it was shaped. It was then sent to Hampton after 17 tons of that block had been removed by Italian artisan, Vincenzo Andreani of Marr and Gordon, Inc., Granite Works. Andreani used a plaster cast of the lady in the memorial for point-by-point measurements.

All of this hard work paid off, as the memorial is not only a respectful tribute to those who have served the country honorably. It is also one of the most recognizable sculptures in New Hampshire.

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Daffodil and Tulip Festival at Naumkeag (Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA)

Date Of Visit: May 5, 2024 (this event has ended. It was scheduled from  April 22 to May 16)

Location: Naumkeag, Trustees, 5 Prospect Hill Rd
Stockbridge, MA 

Cost: $15 for non-member adults ($9 for members) on weekdays and $20 for non-member adults ($12 for members) on weekends. Tickets for children cost $5 each ($3 for members) no matter the day, and admission for children younger than two is free. Tickets are sold for timed entry and must be purchased online; Tickets were sold in a time based entry system.

Parking: Free parking is available on site with a nearby overflow lot

Website: https://thetrustees.org/place/naumkeag/

What better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than walking along the 8 acre gardens of the Naumkeag (pronounced “Nom-keeg”) estate? More than 130,000 colorful tulips, daisies and minor bulbs greeted the visitors at the garden of Naumkeag.

My 24 mm prime lens and 18-400 mm telephoto lenses helped me get some really great bokeh (background blur) in the photos accentuating the beauty of the flowers. It didn’t hurt that the flowers were arranged in a such a pretty array of colors.

There were also some beautiful backgrounds at Naumkeag that provided some beautiful photo opportunities.

I could spend all day photographing these beautiful displays of flowers!

While the daffodils and tulips and other flowers were the main attraction at the event, there were other pretty and impressive statues and structures at Naumkeag. And, yes, those are bubbles at one of the statues there!

There were also models of eggs that looked like larger versions of the eggs birds lay with the name of the bird that lays them.

The “summer cottage” at Naumkeag was bult in 1884 when Joseph Choate, a prominent New York attorney and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, and his wife, Caroline hired an architect to build the 44 room home. Tours are available on the first floor and, of course, you can purchase items in the gift shop also on the first floor.

There are additional events during the fall and winter seasons at Naumkeag. You can check out there website for more information.


Stanley Park Braille Trail (Stanley Park, Westfield, MA)

Date Of Visit: July 4, 2021

Location: Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA (about 2 hours west of Boston, MA and 1 hour northwest of Hartford, CT)

Hours:

Official Season: Stanley Park is open to the public (7 days a week) from 7:00 am until dusk daily (1/2 hour before sunset) until the last Sunday in November. Upon entrance, please note gate closing times.

Off-Season: Gate 1, across from Westfield State University’s Woodward Center, is open year-round from 7:00 am until dusk daily, weather permitting. Upon entrance, please note gate closing times.

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several free parking lots at Stanley Park, The main parking lots are located off Western Ave

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: A braille trail has been installed at Stanley Park

Many of us have heard of “rail trails” (formerly use railroad tracks transformed into hiking trails). But, few of us may have heard of a Braille Trail.

As we progress and develop a more universally accessible society, most parks and attractions are making efforts to ensure their trails and buildings are more accessible for all. Stanley Park is no different, Enter the Braille Trail at Stanley Park.

The Braille Trail at Stanley Park in Westfield, MA, was built and designed by Scout Jeremy T Trottier of Troop 821 as part of his Eagle Scout project. Jeremy, 15 at the time he began this project, has always wanted to become an Eagle Scout and he had been working hard to reach that goal. Besides, it’s in his blood. Jeremy’s father and uncle are both Eagle Scouts.

The trail, which is meant to give the visually impaired an enhanced experience at the trail, is located at a serene, shaded, usually quiet area of the park where a lot of the wildlife is active. The sounds of nature and wildlife are meant to enhance the experience for the visually impaired.

The 300 foot path is connected by a series of 3 wooden stations attached by a rope with placards containing information about the trail and park in braille and print.

There is also a bench at the end (or beginning) of the trail.

Jeremy fund raised to generate the $1,700 to pay for the plaques and other materials to create the trail; It was completed and officially dedicated September 9, 2017

In case you’re wondering, yes, Jeremy realized his dream when he was officially awarded Eagle Scout on January 13, 2018.


Sunrise In The Sunflowers (Coppal House Farm, Lee, NH)

Date Of Event: August 6, 2021 (the annual event is usually held the first Sunday in August)

Location: Coppal House Farm, 118 N. River Rd (rt 155) Lee, NH (about 45 mins southeast of Concord, NH, or one and a half hours northeast of Boston, MA)

Cost: The prices vary depending on when you go and your age. Prices can be found at the link below

https://www.nhsunflower.com/sunflower-festival-info

Parking There was lawn parking for about a couple hundred cars

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: No this was not a dog friendly event

Website: https://www.nhcornmaze.com/

Summary: Coppal House Farm hosted their 7th annual Sunrise In The Sunflowers Festival

Summer, sunrises and sunflower. Who could possibly ask for more?

On August 1, he Coppal House Farm turned their farm into a sunflower paradise.

I arrived at Coppal House Farm bright and early for the “Sunrise In The Sunflowers” event which is particularly popular with photographers of all skill levels. I was surprised to see such a healthy crowd at 5:30 am. As the name of the event would suggest, the sunflowers really do pop with the rays of sun beaming on them. Initially, I was shocked to see the sunflowers were not facing the view of the sunrise. But, then it made complete sense as the sunbeams really hit the flowers and brought out their beauty. This time of day (the golden hour) is the optimal and, in my opinion, only time to photograph these flowers (except for possibly sunset).

I didn’t realize there were other types of sunflowers besides the yellow sunflowers that are so prominent.

There were also several props and decor for people to pose near for portrait shoots.

But there weren’t just sunflowers at the house farm.

There were a variety of different flowers at the farm.

There were also a few spooky trees at the event.

If you do visit Coppal House Farm don’t forget to buy a sunflower to take home or view the animals at the farm.


18th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic (Hampton, NH)

Dates Of Event: June 14-16 (usually annually, the second or third weekend in June)

Location: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH

Cost: Free

Hours: the sculptures are accessible for viewing all day until June 27, except between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. when the beach is closed

Parking: Parking info can be found here

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Tips: The sculptures will be able to be viewed at night when they illuminate the area

Related Posts: 2017 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Competition

2016 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Competition

Website: Hampton Sand Sculpture Event

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Sculptors don’t just sculpt wood, ice and clay.  In fact, some of the world’s best sculptors like to play in the sand.  And that’s exactly what they were doing last weekend at Hampton Beach, NH.

The theme of this year’s sand sculpture of the sponsors of the event was “The Aliens Have Come To Hampton Beach.”  All of the featured sculptors contributed to this sculptor.

 

The massive sand sculpture included a memorial to Canadian sculptor and regular Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic competitor Michel Lepire.

Michel passed away earlier this year.  But, his son, Marc Lepire, did participate and made a special tribute for his dad in his  own sculpture.

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The competition included 10 sand sculptures, not included the sponsors’ sculptures, with sculptors from all over the globe.

Visitors to the beach were allowed to view the sculptures up close on the beach at 1 o’clock and given a ticket to put in a bucket next to their choice.  While it is great to be able to get so close to the sculptures and I did take photographs while I could get close to them, the sculptors have until 4 to complete their works.  And, of course, they use every minute at their disposal usually.  So, I didn’t end up posting most of the photos I took at 1.  But, I did cast a vote (for “Influence” by Carl Jara).  Then, I waited a few more hours so I could photograph the sculptures in their completed states.  Time goes by pretty quickly at the beach, though.  So I didn’t mind waiting.  After all, I’m a pretty patient person, except when I am driving.

When the votes for the sculptures by the official judges were finally tallied the winners were recognized and given their awards ($3,000 for first place) and a fireworks display capped off the festivities.  Below are the top ranked sculptures and the also rans.

First place went to “Temptation” by Abe Waterman of Prince Edward Island.

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Melineige Beauregard of Montreal nabbed second place with her sculpture “Rising.”

 

Dan Belcher of Missouri swam into third place with “Water Dance.”  This was certainly one of the larger sculptures.  It must have taken many hours to make all of these shapes and designs.

 

“Influence” by Carl Jara of Ohio came in fourth place.  he also won the “Sculptor’s Choice” award which must be very rewarding since it is voted on by his peers.

 

David Andrews of Wisconsin came in fifth place with “Ancestral Swirl.”

 

The “People’s Choice” award which the visitors got to vote for went to Marc Lepire of Quebec for “Wind Lovers.”

 

The remaining sculptures are listed below.  I was actually surprised that some of them, like “Winging It” by Delayne Corbett of Vancouver did not place in the voting.  Since ikt had so much intricate detail I thouggh tit was sure to be in the top 5.  But there was so much competition at the event.  So, even some of the best sculptures didn’t make top rankings.

 

“Defeating The Darkness” by Justin Gordon of Groveland, MA, was another sculpture I thought may have been overlooked.  There’s a lot of wonderful detail in this one.

 

This futuristic looking sculpture called “Three Phase Steam Phork” was sculpted by California sculpture Kirk Radimaker.

 

There’s something about the sculpture “Joy” by Karen Fralich.

I’m not sure if it’s the name of the sculpture, the seemingly carefree child or the butterflies sporadically placed throughout the sculpture.  But, something about this sculpture makes me smile.

 

If you missed the sand sculptures last weekend, don’t worry.  They will be on display until Wednesday, June 27.  They also illuminate the area for night viewing if you can’t make it there during the day time.

The wires you may see sticking out of the tops of some of the sculptures, shown sticking out of the head of the sculpture in the photo below, are meant to deter birds from landing on.

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No matter.  Some birds still found a way to land on them.

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The sand sculpting event had more than just sculptures, though.  There were other family friendly activities as well such as face painting.

 

There were also so many cute dogs at the event.

Watson is a 5 year old Dalmatian Coonhound.  he was adopted from the Pope Memorial SPCA.

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Jackson, a 5 year old Great Dane, was another gentle giant.  He was a little hard to get to look at me because his dad was parking the car and he kept looking to his left and right in the hopes of seeing his human.

 

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Greta is a 7 year old German Drahthaar.

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Bailey, who will be 6 months Sunday the 25th (yes she is a Christmas baby), is a Teacup Yorkie.  She was dressed to the nines for her day at the beach.

 

Some dogs are a little shy of my camera.  This was the case with Luna, a 1 year old pit and lab mix.  At least at first.  But, she warmed up to the camera pretty quickly.

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Bailey is a 6 month Standard Poodle.  With her fluffy fur, she reminded me of a big teddy bear.

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Buddy, a 14 year old Cairn Terrier, was certainly not in Kansas anymore.  That’s right, Buddy is the exact same breed as Toto from The Wizard Of Oz movie.  If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.  Just look out for the “flying monkeys.”

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Brady, who was named after a certain local sports star, is an 11 month old Cavachon.  Are you saying to yourself, Cava what?  I did too.  His folks told me he is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix.

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And, last but not least, Tyzon, a Boxer, will be 5 years old in September.  It had been a long day taking photographs and I was ready to get ready to head home.  Then, when I saw Tayzon I decided to take out my camera for one more dog photo.  He was very accommodating and the kids loved petting him.  And he loved the pets he recieved.

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Talcott Greenhouse At Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden (South Hadley, MA)

Date Of Visit: January 20, 2018

Location: 50 College St, South Hadley, MA

Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m, Sat & Sun 1 p.m. -4 p.m. (hours may vary depending on the season)

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a parking lot for about 40 cars

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Website: Talcott Greenhouse

Related Post: 2017 Spring Bulb Show At Smith College

Highlights: variety of plants in the Talcott Greenhouse at Mount Holyoke College

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It may seem a little early in the year for New Englanders to be talking about our gardens and plants, especially since we just received 3 inches of snow in the Boston area. But, the Talcott Greenhouse is a great place to go for a preview of the spring planting season that will soon be here.

The greenhouse has a wide variety of plants

There were a variety of plants and flowers that caught my attention like this huge cactus!

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The botanical garden is open all year. The plants are cared for by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. In fact, the person working there during my visit helped answer a few questions I had about some of the plants and flowers int eh garden.

This particular flower is an orchard. The banana-looking parts of he flower are actually where the plant stores water.

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Below are a few of the plants and flowers that caught my eye.

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Philodendron Erubescens (“Pink Princess”)

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Begonia Brevirimosa

Microsorum Thailandicum

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Sinning Bullata

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Begonia Silver Jewel Dibleys

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Cirita Keiko

and the rest…

I especially liked how the flowers were displayed throughout the botanical garden. The colors of the plants in each group seemed to blend so well with all of the other plants they were placed with.

The coolest part of the greenhouse was definitely this tree that was growing through a wall!