I took a long walk through the Winterthur Garden yesterday afternoon. The air was as crisp as a Macintosh apple; yummy and sweet. It was the perfect tonic amidst the worry of Wall Street. According to a news report some are turning to nicotine, illegal drugs and over-eating for emotional comfort. The article suggested that a more healthy alternative is fresh air. I whole-heartedly agree!
My walk took me first to the Reflecting Pool Garden where the native dogwood trees are just starting to change color; they almost match the rust-colored tile roofs of the bath houses. On to Oak Hill – I wanted to see the bright pink carpet of autumn crocus, colchicum up close. To my surprise, there are also autumn “daffodills” blooming on the outer Oak Hill overlooking the ponds. Look under the bright-yellow-fruit-laden hardy orange trees and you’ll find the bright yellow Sternbergia lutea!
Sycamore Hill, pictured here, is coming into its fall splendor with asters, viburnum berries and lovely billowy grasses. The sugar maples beyond the brick look-out are just starting to turn their orange, red and yellow combo that always reminds me of a sweet and sour lollipop.
Take a walk in the garden today! For me, it is a balm for the soul and a “re-set” to recognize the amazing and abiding beauty in the world.
I forgot to ask – what is your favorite place for a “re-set” in the Winterthur Garden?
Hi, Karen. I like to re-set on the bench under the magnolias at Magnolia Bend, taking special pleasure in watching the petals fall from the fading blooms against a light blue sky on a mildly breezy day.
Question: I came to w@w on Oct. 15, and there was what appeared to be a holly bush/tree near the greenhouses with sweetly scented white flowers that we were all discussing before setting off. It wasn’t marked, but Mary and Tom said they would find out what it was and “post it”. Do you know if they ever did and, if not, can you find out for me? We have a perfect place for a tree of this habit and size — the scent would be a bonus! — and it would be great to give my husband the holly he’s always wanted and which I’ve been resisting because we have a small plot. Thank you! — Lisa
Thanks for your comment, Lisa. I love the area you speak of under the Magnolias, too. One year, “Out and About” magazine asked me to suggest the most romantic place in the W. Garden for Valentine’s Day. That’s the very spot I suggested, though I figured it would be a good bit chilly on that bench in February!
As to the holly-like shrub you saw on Oct. 15th. It’s amazing, isn’t it? This year, it’s fragrance has been captivatingly sweet. I checked with our curator of plants. It’s called “False-Holly” or Osmanthus heterophyllus. Glad you like it – and hope you can surprise your husband with a little bit of Winterthur in your own garden.
Best, Karen