In the Gardens

Around the mansion this time of year, we always get excited to see the wisteria growing on the arbor.  It's usually a large indication that warmer is around the corner!  I read somewhere in the archives that the Fontaine family planted wisteria on the west side of the carriage house.  I think that the arbor contains transplanted wisteria...no one should quote me on this, until I get solid proof!  It makes for a nice story, nonetheless.

We REALLY get excited when the fountain is cleaned out and bubbles to life.  This is a definite sign that the bridal season has kicked in to high gear.  This weekend we have a wedding reception in the carriage house, so I know that they will love that the fountain is on.

The wisteria always starts blooming in the back of the arbor, as you can see from the first picture posted.  Today, guests commented how wonderfully fragrant it was when passing by.  Of course, we have every bumble bee in the tri state area collecting pollen from the vines right now.  No need for alarm, they'll be gone with the end of our "pollen" months.

We all have our favorite places at WF.  My favorite place is this bench (below).  It is planted on the west side of the garden, nearest the carriage drive and WF house.  I call it my favorite because I can see the changing seasons perfectly...from summer to fall...and fall to winter...by the view against the Lee house next door.  The sunset also shines against the brick walls and windows of the Lee house...in the fall the trees in that direction turn the most amazing orange color.  In the spring and summer, the sun sets through the branches of thick leaves...really something that should be taken advantage of this summer!  Perhaps I can bribe my fellow board member Cat McAndrews to make a few with a bottle of wine...

I simply couldn't leave this little piece of heaven out.  The dogwoods are ALL in full bloom, waiting for the Easter egg hunt the Saturday morning before Easter Sunday.  The Handwerker gingerbread cottage is the perfect "throne" for Mr. Bunny!  Any child (both young and young at heart) to host a tea party here is truly "top drawer", in my opinion.



So, indeed...Spring has OFFICIALLY sprung at WF.  Please feel free to picnic on the grounds and enjoy the beautiful weather (just remember to leave just as you found the grounds!)