Dragonfly

This Dragonfly is dressed to match the plant he was visiting.  Beautiful isn't he?

Ladies Room

Believe it or not, this is the Ladies Room at Magnolia Plantation!

Window to the Past

Magnolia Plantation with the traditional black shutters - looking inside.............

And More of the Winter Swamp Garden

As I left the ducks I noticed a marked trail that went into the forest right next to the pond. I had never seen it before and didn't know where it went - but it couldn't be too scary as I was at Magnolia Gardens - right?? Surely it would come out at some desirable place. Well, I have lived with Kirby long enough to know that I HAD to do this! And was I ever glad that I did. It turned out to be a short trail that is not on any of the literature nor is it on any maps or information boards that I have seen. But it was clearly marked and well kept up. Come along with me.... it was really fun!

There were a few areas that had raised boardwalk but most of the trail was just well maintained DIRT.

The trail ran right along the side of the pond so it was very swampy.

Winter was in full bloom with the carpet of leaves.

One spot was not "well maintained" but I managed to get around it!

Winter in the Swamp

And - picking up where we left off....I walked another circle because I wasn't ready to quit and go home and then I decided to deviate from our normal route. that was a really good plan!

Ah, the pine cones! And pine cones with Spanish moss on them at that!  I never ever tire of views like this!  Nor do I tire of views like the one below.  I had walked by here earlier and seen the alligator...this time it was just pure pretty!

And this picture I took just because it entertained me.  I pretended there was an alligator....do you see him?  And that mossie thing is some critter in the water.  Anyway - I was just having fun!

And then I found the ducks.  These are green winged teals.  The male above and the female below.  (If I am wrong, then someone PLEASE correct me!)

There were lots and lots of them!  And more than the picture couldn't capture. They were feeding on the Duck Weed - that is the green stuff on the water.  It is not algae which I thought it was for a long time.

I couldn't see these guys well enough to even guess at what they are but they certainly didn't like me being there and I was quiet - but obviously not quiet enough!

Winter Swamp Walk - The Ibis

Thanks for joining me on my Swamp Walk. As I moved on past the heron, I walked quietly alone and noticed that the few people I encountered were doing the same as I was...walking quietly. Mostly we just smiled at each other, not wanting to break the spell of the quiet and the wildlife. I took this picture of a trees gnarl - just because. I liked the tree and thought it was interesting.

And then I spotted the Ibis not too far away.  I took many of pictures as they were feeding.

Look closely at the pictures and I think you will agree that they have BLUE EYES!  I love it!  They are beautiful. You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Now this guy must be pretty old.  Just look at his eye.  It is not blue, it is bulging and cloudy.  I feel so sad for him but he is actually just like us....adapting to our age.  He is continuing to do what he does but probably not as well as he used to and maybe he has some pains to go with it.  I think he needs cataract surgery!

Winter Walk in a Swamp Garden

I decided to begin my year doing one of my favorite things - touring the Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Come along with me and I will share with you some of the special treats of winter in a swamp garden. There is so much hidden treasure that when I left I felt lighter and could breath easier. I will add a few pictures each day so come along and enjoy the tour.

I entered the park and before I could even get parked, I spotted a group of Peacocks grazing.  (is that what they do?)  So, I pulled over real quick and got as close as I dared to without frightening them.  After taking my requisite 6 or 8 pictures, I proceeded to the ticket booth. (I can NEVER take just one picture of something!)  In the summer when it is busy they have a person selling tickets to the swamp garden right there but this time of year, you have to go to the main ticket office and then get back in the car and drive to the swamp.  It is worth it!  My ticket for just the swamp was $8.  I know there is a way to sneak in but I feel like I get my money's worth out of this place and am happy to be able to be there.

I parked at the Audubon Swamp Garden and then used the code they had given me to open the big gate that leads to this great boardwalk.  You can see how brown it becomes in the winter.  And in the summer it is so green it almost hurts your eyes!

Searching for wildlife I almost missed this guy - he was swimming away from me when I saw him.

The trees were bare except for this large clump of mistletoe.

The sky was crystal clear and the sun was warm but my hands were freezing.  I kept searching the tree tops until I found what I was looking for -

This big heron is guarding her nest.  I always think of heron as "him" because they really look very masculine but don't you think this must be a female? 

Check back tomorrow for more!

Bamboo

Why do some people feel this compelling need to deface things.  Just look at this bamboo at Magnolia Gardens.  People have completely destroyed it.  I just don't understand.  What did the bamboo ever do to them to deserve this?  (enlarge picture by clicking on it to see the "artwork" up close)

Green Zebra Stripes

The swamps at Magnolia Plantation are beautiful no matter what time of year!  I just love those long shadows!

Little Bridge

I have always loved this walking bridge at Magnolia Plantation.  It is painted red and is always so inviting - even at the beginning of winter.

The Last of the Color

These azalea petals really aren't the last of the color as the camellias are on their way.  There seems to always be something blooming in the plantation gardens.

Swamps

Everything is turning brown in the swamps at Magnolia Plantation, but the beauty is still there!

Magnolia Plantation in the Fall

Over 2 months with my sprained ankle and I am finally back out. It is still swollen and by the end of the day it can be sore but it is no longer controlling my life! Yea!

We visited Magnolia Gardens yesterday and even without the blaze of color that we enjoy during the spring and summer, it was a glorious day. It was warm and sunny with crisp, clean air.  I thought you might enjoy seeing a spring picture to compare. The one below was taken in April. Fun to see the difference seasons isn't it?

Fall is Here - I Miss Summer Already

Fall is here and it is in the air.  Leaves litter my yard.  Soon they all will have left the branches of the trees they so recently joined.  I am sad.  Winter follows and the brown, barren trees will laugh at us.  When that happens, I will have my flowery green pictures to look at to get me through until spring and the return of the green!

More of Magnolia Gardens

 We have had guests visiting all week and have tried to show them as much of the area as possible in a short bit of time.  Of course I am thrilled to see it any time.  I love the gardens in the spring with all the azaleas blooming.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

I just love the shape of the old oak trees and the way they line this road.  It is still early and they don't have all their leaves yet.

Early Spring

Means Camellias, Azaleas, Wisteria and Dogwood trees blooming.  Bad for allergies but so beautiful! In another week or two there will be masses of azaleas at Magnolia - I can't wait!

Birds at Magnolia

 It seems that no matter what time of year I visit Magnolia Gardens I get to see a variety of birds and animals.  Most of these weren't "wild" but lovely just the same!

  I had never seen a white peacock before!

Now these guys were definitely wild! Can you see the one laying on the nest?