While I took pictures...
(American Wisteria and a sweet smelling tree)
(Oriental Poppy)
(Chinese Tree Peony - absolutely stunning!)
My poor bored child played in the gravel, hiding and finding a pussy willow bud.
And finally it was her time!
As much as I love going to the arboretum, I always think about the energy and resources that are involved in keeping it so beautiful, manicured, and "in season" looking. The water used and the fertilizers applied. The constant rotation of plants that are most likely shipped hundreds if not thousands of miles and sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. The tulip display was fantastic this Spring, but now, the bed was completely bare, awaiting new Summer annuals. What did they do with all of those bulbs? The bulbs didn't have the adequate length of time to replenish (because no one wants to see ugly brown foliage at an arboretum), so were they all just thrown out - another single use disposable item in this world?
While the arboretum does provide us with many experiences to connect with nature (and to practice my photography), I prefer experiencing natural beauty and wonder in a truly natural and wild setting.