Monday, July 28, 2008

Arboretum Beats Out Gym

Japenese Anemone
Looking towards Lake Spafford
Plant labels and informational signs are easy to find!


Tonight step class at the gym lost out to a walk to and through the UCDavis Arboretum. With a high today in the 80's it was the perfect evening to visit a section of the arboretum, established in 1936, that includes almost 100 acres running along Putah Creek. The arboretum is the main source of horticultural information for inland California and is arranged in a series of gardens including the Mediterranean Collection, the Redwood Memorial Grove, the Desert Collection, the Early California Garden, the Carolee Shields White Flower Garden (a special place to visit under a full moon!) and several other gardens. Ducks, bunnies and joggers shared the space with students, strollers and dogs. We walked and talked and pondered choices for my friend's proposed garden renovation. One of many bridges over Putah Creek.

We ended our arboretum visit at the Arboretum Terrace, a wonderful demonstration garden near downtown Davis. The walk back to my friend's house (and my car) took us past many older homes with interesting gardens...at least I think they were because by then it was too dark to enjoy them. Next time we'll have to walk faster! The last photo taken before dark is a mystery plant in a yard near the demonstration garden...anyone care to venture a guess on what this is? We had several guesses but remain...in the dark!

9 comments:

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

This is a new place for me, thanks for sharing it. It is so wildly beautiful (at least the parts you photographes). I love those bridges over the creek. I think you made the right choice. Step class will always be there.

Cindy, MCOK said...

Leslie, I'd choose a walk in the arboretum over step class any day! Your mystery flower is Tithonia, Mexican Torch Flower/Mexican Sunflower, one of my faves!

growingagardenindavis said...

I loved the bridges too, Mr. McGregor's Daughter...I actually had to stop myself from taking only bridge pictures!
Thanks Cindy! Sunflower was one guess but we had no idea what kind. I've heard of tithonia...now I've seen it in person!

Anonymous said...

I think a walk in the arboretum would be exercise for the body and food for the soul. Someday I want to visit.~~Dee

Unknown said...

I think that someone once said the best kind of exercise is the one you will keep on doing... so under that theory, you're right on track, right? *grin*

That arboretum is gorgeous. I love the tree leaning out over Putah creek, but am equally enamored of those Japanese anemones. My first thought when I saw your picture was: "So THAT'S what they can look like if you grow them well!" Mine never look half so good.

Katarina said...

Nice walks through the woods definitely beat gym classes, if you ask me. So peaceful and fresh...
The japanese anemones are i n bloom here as well now - aren't they adorable?
/Katarina

garden girl said...

That's an easy choice! What a gorgeous place for a walk. Wish our arboretum was closer.

Annie in Austin said...

That's a good-size arboretum, Leslie - not too huge to enjoy but big enough to ramble.
It's obvious which choice your blogging friends will all make - nature wins over the machines.

Elizabeth Lawrence talked about Tithonia and I mean to grow it one of these days....might not go with all your pink flowers but my yellow and blue could use that punch of red-orange.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Anonymous said...

We are having a rather wet summer here in the UK and are learning to seize outdoor opportunities when the weather is suitable! You can make out the shape of the creek in the satellite image on www.gardenvisit.com/garden/davis_arboretum_garden. GardenVisit.com has other gardens to visit in California on www.gardenvisit.com/gardens/california.