Monday, May 21, 2012

Hiking at Pickett's Mill

So, the philosopher and I went for a hike at Pickett's Mill Battlefield a few weeks ago.  It was a lovely day, and I got to try out my Easter shoes (the most comfy leather hiking boots EVER)!

 

 These two are of Pumpkinvine Creek, on which the old mill used to stand.  It was amazing seeing all the Civil War history that surrounds the area.  It's also hard to believe that our house sits in an area that was part of a huge battle.  (Pickett's Mill is only about 5 miles from our house in New Hope/Dallas.)



There's something wonderful about a spring day in Georgia.  The sky is blue, and there's a verdant smell in the air.  Of course, in the back of your mind you know that summer is on its way, with its terrible heat and humidity.  So I'll take all the spring days I can, and enjoy each and every one of them!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

A Tale of Two Gardens

So, there were two gardens in my world this past weekend....


The Yummy Garden


Our veggies are growing like crazy, and we're already feasting on lettuce and chard.

 This is our square foot garden.  Sugar snap peas, Sweet 100 tomato, Romaine lettuce, Bibb lettuce, eggplant, carrots, ruby red swiss chard and lots o' Georgia sweet onions.

 It's amazing that it's been so warm (erm... make that HOT) but our lettuce hasn't bolted yet.

And in some other happy planter boxes, we have zucchini, crookneck squash, peppers, tomatoes, and one huge tub filled with cantaloupe.  YUMMMMMMMM.

The Beautiful Garden


The other garden we visited was Smith-Gilbert Gardens, a local collector's garden that is simply stunning. 

 Lots of walking trails.

 A rose garden.

 A conifer garden.

 And really funky plants everywhere! (This is a Jack-in-the-Pulpit)

 A pond with some of the largest koi I'd ever seen. (And I caught a picture of a philosopher in the wild, too - a rare sighting indeed!)

 And my favorite thing EVER - the speed limit sign!!!

If you're ever in Kennesaw, GA, and need to spend a few hours doing something low-key, I highly recommend stopping by Smith-Gilbert Gardens.  Even in the winter it's a lovely place, because they have a camellia garden too!