And even more blossoms!

Rutledge Ave., Charleston, SC   

I need to post a few more blossom shots before the azaleas pass their prime. This is one of my favorite homes on Rutledge Ave. and the neighboring house. I should be hired by the city to write fines for home owners of properties without azaleas planted.

I had jury duty this morning and reported to the court house on Broad St. as scheduled only to be dismissed promptly. My lucky day. Unfortunately I was mentally prepared for a week out of the office and now I need to get back on the saddle.

I did get home early and have spent the afternoon scanning in old family albums. It's been a happy trip down memory lane.

St. Francis of Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation Gardens, Charleston, SC    

It is a crisp and cool day but perfect for a walk. The Horticultural Symposium was in progress at Magnolia Plantation this weekend and after exploring that I walked through the gardens. The azaleas and camellias made a colorful show.

St. Francis has always been tucked away in a peaceful spot but the little structure behind him is new and caught my eye.

Middleton Place in full glory

Middleton Place, Charleston, S.C.

Time has been slipping by and I knew this might be the last weekend to get the blossoms in full glory. My annual pass to Magnolia Plantations had expired so I decided to go to Middleton Place this time. It is a little further out and has a more formal garden to wander in as well as a restaurant and Inn. The weatherman threatened storms today and I stayed just a few steps ahead of the dramatic skies.

My camera packing friends have been haunting the gardens making me jealous lately with their beautiful pictures on Facebook. I almost expected someone I knew to pop out from behind an azalea bush. A couple  did call out to me and I was able to meet a couple of online friends - artist Kathy Bates and her husband Bill (below). She is a very talented water color artist and I was tickled that they recognized me.

Middleton Place is beautiful at any time of the year but especially now. Go!