A Beautiful Reflection

Captured in the Waterlily Gardens at Gibbs Gardens, located in Ball Ground, Georgia, two years ago in Summer. It was a hot August day, but I persevered to capture just a tidbit of the beautiful reflections from the pond. I hope you are having a fantastic weekend and Labor Day holiday. ENJOY!

Swans in Winter Light

On a mild Winter's Day, mated Swans glide effortlessly on the pond on a late Winter's afternoon at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. Points of light reflect on the water. Waves gently ripple atop the water as the Swans move about. The golden light casts its shadows across the lawn. What a serene Winter scene. ENJOY!

Blue Nile Water Lily

A beautiful Blue Nile Water Lily as I captured it on my trek to Gibbs Gardens. As I gingerly walked about the Waterlily Gardens in early August this dainty looking Blue Nile Water Lily struck my eye. I hope your week is going well. It's been too too busy for me. The holidays are fast approaching. Before I leave you today, here is a tidbit I put together to wet your whistle. ENJOY!

The 'Happy Holidays' are fast approaching. 

There will be Tom Turkey aplenty and let's wish one and all Seasons Greetings. 

Next comes the Black Friday hustle accompanied by Light Up wherever you are. 

Let's Deck the Halls and afterwards we can Shop Til You Drop. 

Kiddos await jolly Ol' St. Nick where he will Dash Away, Dash Away, Dash Away All.

LEAST WE FORGET  . . .

The Ball Drop in Times Square as we sing a chorus of Auid Lang Syne!

The Manor House, Gibbs Gardens

With late afternoon approaching, I traveled via shuttle to the Manor House, James Gibbs personal residence, to visit the Koi Pond at Gibbs Gardens. The house itself sits high up on a hill overlooking the Georgia mountains. Limestone steps lead up to the house with Elephant Ears and other ground cover growing in abundance around the trees.

The Koi Pond was situated adjacent to the Manor House with sculptures surrounding it, not to mention a beautiful limestone wall with a waterfall that spilled over into the pond. I read that 20 to 30 year old plants and trees were planted around the Manor House when it was built to add instant age and character. Amazing.

What I did see of the Manor House was beautiful with huge windows spanning almost the entire front of house. Just outside the front door was a huge veranda overlooking the hillside. Would you believe there's a veranda behind all the bushes in this image. Rocking chairs sat idly waiting for visitors to use. What a host to allow his own veranda to be used by visitors.

Earlier in the day, attendants had mentioned a large Rose Arbor off the Manor House, so off I went down the hill in search of it. Sure enough there it was with benches sitting along the walkway and sculptures along the parameter. Flowers were blooming everywhere with Bees and Butterflies buzzing. The Arbor was beautiful with its vines draped off of it.

To capture an image of the length of the Arbor I walked down the hillside on the lawn. By this time the light was absolutely awful, but I persevered. To see such a mansion up close surrounded by a beautiful pond and gorgeous gardens was a treat. Every bit of it was stunning. I hope you enjoyed this walk with me. ENJOY!

Monet's Bridge at Giverny

In the Waterlily Gardens at Gibbs Gardens' in Ball Ground, Georgia, sits an exact replica of Monet's Bridge at Giverny. You know the one. That famous bridge he painted in watercolor and no doubt hundreds, if not thousands, of copies have been made.

How does one do justice in an attempt to photograph such beauty. After several exposures in one setting, I moved about the pond attempting to take different perspectives. Yet as I culled through my archive, I realized my initial perspective was the best. I especially like the tree in the far left background. I also like the hint of Fall in the tree behind the bridge. It added just the right depth and dimension.

James Gibbs, the architect of this beautiful landscape, delighted in the original Monet's Bridge in the Gardens at Giverny that he decided to replicate it in his own gardens. The bridge, with its steel beams, rails and arbor, was measured and reproduced with the same radius. The island was built over the pond to support the span of the bridge. Gibbs also chose Monet's same color choice. The bridge's Wisteria vines drape over the side of the arbors casting dramatic shadows on the water throughout the day. What a setting and such a peaceful one. I hope you enjoyed my perspective. ENJOY!

Linking to Our World Tuesday

European White Waterlily

The star of the show. That is the only way I could describe this beautiful European White Waterlily as it sat afloat on the pond's surface with it's huge green Lily pads surrounding it. The reflection in the water was almost as beautiful as the Lily itself. Amazingly, every photographer around was at some point standing post with their tripod near the water's edge capturing image after image. Hence, the 'star' of the show.

I don't know what my favorite Waterlily would be should I choose one from all of the images I captured on my journey to Gibbs Gardens. There were such gorgeous varieties everywhere. The blues and purples, however, were the most stunning. Warm colors always are, don't you agree. On another note this weekend is supposed to be stellar and I have decided to plan a trek to Cheekwood to take in their Mums display. The word on the street is they have a cottage made out of pumpkins and I surely must photograph it, not to mention the S

Linking to Foodie Friday & Everything Else

Scenic Winter Landscape

A beautiful Willow tree sits patiently waiting out Winter's wrath. I captured this image in La Grange, Kentucky in January 2013, after a previous day's snowfall. I especially love the blue water and the arched railing on the wooden bridge. Admittedly, I love all of the elements of this scene, the least of which being Mother Nature who did her best to decorate the landscape. Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm if you are in the path of the impending 'Polar Vortex'. ENJOY!

Migratory Bufflehead Duck

I captured this image one afternoon as I stopped to grab a bite to eat in Hendersonville. Glancing over at a pond situated right off the parking lot, I saw a lone duck diving into the water. Oftentimes, I bring my camera with me while running appointments for work. When you travel, keep your camera stowed out of sight from passersby. You don't want to entice anyone. I stow mine on the floorboard behind my seat and usually cover it up. This was one of those days when it paid off to have my camera nearby. I snapped a few images before heading into the restaurant. I could tell from a distance that this was probably a Bufflehead duck. He was very busy diving for lunch. Later in the week I stopped at the same eatery. No sign of any wildlife in the pond that day. This Bufflehead Duck was probably hundreds of miles South by then. Have a great weekend all. ENJOY!

Water Lily, Bernheim Arboretum

There were several white Water Lilies gracing the pond that sits in front of the Pavilion at Bernheim on Sunday.

I have posted a few images recently of Water Lilies at Murfree Spring Wetlands, but couldn't resist one more photo as the Water Lilies at Bernheim were gorgeous. ENJOY!

Waterlily

What is more delicate and beautiful than a Waterlily? I believe this particular Waterlily is a Peach Glow. I don't know what I love more, the blooms or the lily pads that surround the blooms. ENJOY!

Winter Scenes, LaGrange, Kentucky

Today was the perfect day to make a trek to LaGrange. LaGrange, is a quaint, little town just northeast of Louisville. It is known for it's small town atmosphere and quaint shops. There are a several places I frequent throughout the year, especially in the fall and during the holiday season. With a great deal of snow still covering the ground and the beautiful country setting, I felt a few photos were in order. Since I have an infinity for barns and trees, I couldn't resist the temptation to shoot a few photos. The pond which is situated behind a furniture store, called the Cherry House, appeared to be frozen solid. The barn sits right beside the store. The temperature only reached about 30 degrees today. More snow is expected in northern Kentucky and southern Indiana late Sunday and early Monday morning. Arghhhhh. Enjoy!