This was the view out of my window in the plane as we descended into Virginia on Friday evening. Isn’t it beautiful? The sun was shining through the clouds, all golden on the water……….took my breath away.
On Saturday morning, Rich and I (and Sarah) ate a good breakfast and then headed to a place that I had picked out to visit; The Norfolk Botanical Gardens. It proved to be food for the soul with 155 acres of lovely flowers, trees, water, pretty butterflies, and walking trails.
I loved the rose gardens. We began there early enough that the dew was still on the flowers. It always bewilders me to smell a scentless rose, so I spent some happy moments searching and smelling until I found the ones that had that beautiful rose perfume that I love so much.
It cost us 18 dollars to enter the gardens and after we wandered around the rose beds, we went on the free tram tour. We like taking guided tours because you tend to learn more information that way. The tour guide talked about the history of the gardens and pointed out the different trees, sculptures, themed gardens, and flowers.
After the tour ended, we stayed on one more time so we could be dropped off at the butterfly garden. Rich specifically wanted to go there so that he could show Sarah the butterflies. I thought that was so sweet of him.
Anyway, on our second tram ride we happened to meet an older couple (the lady was very friendly and started a conversation with us) and we were surprise to realize that they knew exactly where we lived, had lived in our area in the past, and had relatives in our hometown.
The eastern swallowtail caterpillar looks similar to the monarch caterpillar, but while the monarch eats milkweed, the swallowtail prefers DILL WEED. I found that very fascinating, and I hope to grow a big patch of dill next year to see what happens.
After showing Sarah the butterflies, (by the way, the lady at the butterfly place was kind and informative), we decided to walk back and explore a nature trail through the woods. Being a nature-lover, I really wanted to see some of Virginia’s natural beauty.
(We took a picture with the self-timer.)
I thought these benches were creative—the gardeners used tree stumps for the base. I guess these benches aren’t going anywhere! I would like to do the same here on our property at home now.
The night before we left, Sarah was running around on our paved driveway, tripped, and fell right on her little nose. It was bruised bad enough that we wondered if it was broken and had a big scab for days, poor pretty baby. It’s all better today, thankfully.
It was about 11:30 in the morning when the sun started burning hot. We left about 12:30 or so. We were thankful that we had gotten there early (about 9:45) so we could enjoy the gardens before it was too warm. Sarah was very patient and appreciated the times we got her out of the stroller, so she could explore, too.
It’s amazing all the things you can see if you just stand still and observe. Rich and I stopped to look at some big horrid spiders when he noticed this tiny green tree frog.
It sat all bundled up, saying with it’s eyes, “Please. Don’t eat me.” I think he was talking to the spiders.
We ended our visit back where we started, in the roses.
Visiting the beautiful gardens with my husband and baby was one of the highlights of our little vacation.
Good to be Home 
Beautiful!
beautiful and it looked so peaceful. so happy you got to go!
I am with you,I like a rose that smells like a rose!Love the little tree frog,so tiny!Thanks for sharing photos,the gardens look lovely.
How Beautiful! What a lovely, lovely day. All the flowers look amazing. I love walking around gardens.And…I LOVE the song playing!Happy Wednesday to you. =)
such a gorgeous place~ !!poor little nose on sarah, but glad it’s better.and YOU look lovely in these pictures. very happy & contented. 🙂
love, love gardens like this…i know just what you mean about them being food for the soul…there’s just something about being in God’s beautiful creations!and, you look so good Shanda!! the picture of you and Sarah standing holding hands; too cute! course, so is the one of you and Rich…happy for you that you had this time away!
So pretty, Shan! Love Sarah’s expression in the picture where you are holding her hand- too cute! Sorry about her little nose- glad that it is better now. Glad that you were able to get away for awhile- looks like you had a wonderful time.
hi shanda…….lovely photos. thanks for sharing God’s beauty with us! and i love the photo you took with the self timer of you and rich. he’s so much taller than you and looks like the strong protector and provider that his is. i agree with “garce to be” from the comment above – you look very relaxed and content. glad you had an enjoyable time away.
Beautiful photos and sounds like a wonderful time away!
wonderful, wonderful post, Shanda, and a romantic place to visit together with your youngest.lieve groetenGodeliva
This was a beautiful walk through the gardens! I too love rose smell and will go out of my way to put my nose in a flower My Dad brought me back a small carved wood holder from France with a vial of rose essence in it. I treasure it and use is very slowly, loving the scent and remembering him. You look beautiful and content, and so happy with your hubby and little one. She is so cute, so glad her little nose is alright. Love the pics of you and Rich, and you and Sarah on the path, and Sarah in the forest.
Beautiful post! That looked like such a wonderful garden! I’m glad you were able to enjoy some nature and that tree frog and the caterpillars were my favorites!And I adored Anne growing up, and I’ve been inspired to dig out her wonderful series and visit an old friend!
wonderful! Happy and content times with those we love are the best…
So glad you enjoyed yourself here in Virginia! LOVELY pictures!!
What a lovely place to visit! Thanks for sharing the great pictures!
the gardens look so lovely and looks like a place I could take pictures forever!
@redladybug18 – There were a lot of photographers there! With and without tripods! 🙂
@bamsniko22407 – I grew up with Anne, too. I did a blog post years ago titled “these gentle books” that you would love! xoxo. I’ll never outgrow LM Montgomery’s writings!
I sighed, smiled, and felt myself self rest for the moments of gazing at the beauty of your life. Your baby Sarah is a lovely delight. You still make me smile. Thank you sweety. Southern Hugs
@roseteacup – I’m so glad you stopped by here and left me some “lovin'” in my comments! I’ll never forget about you and hope we can meet someday! Thanks for admiring my baby, she is wonderful and we are enjoying her so much. xoxo Love you, too.