Saturday Afternoon Walk
“A garden path, can become the thread of a plot, connecting moments and incidents into a narrative. The narrative structure might be a simple chain of events with a beginning, middle, and end. It might be embellished with diversions, digressions, and picaresque twists, be accompanied by parallel ways (subplots), or deceptively fork into blind alleys like the alternative scenarios explored in a detective novel.” - Rebecca Solnit.
Saturday afternoon found my friend @malachana and I wandering in the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, California. It was a gorgeous day, cool and sunny, perfect for a long ramble.
After checking in and grabbing a map we sat down right past the California Garden to plan our walk. A very nice older gentleman stopped by and added to our discussion but in the end we all agreed, no matter what path we picked it was going to be a lovely walk. So off we went.
Neither one of us were super interested in the Desert Garden so we entered through the Palm Garden and headed towards the Jungle Garden. The sun peeping through the trees created beautiful patterns of light and shade making us feel like we were walking through a green gallery.
Pools and waterfalls in our path really led to the feeling that we were on an exotic jungle adventure far from the madding crowd of this urban sprawl we call Los Angeles.
Our path brought us to the end of the lily ponds and Koi fish making colorful patterns in the water.
Of course, this is no ordinary garden so little bits of statuary tucked amongst the green make it even more so like walking in a natural art gallery.
Our original plan was to walk to the Australian Gardens thinking that there might be some blooming plants considering its spring in Australia but when decision time came, we turned towards the path that led to the Japanese Garden.
And stopped to admire the spectacular Bonsai in the Bonsai courtyard.
Arriving at the Tea House that was brought piece by piece from Japan and assembled here. Everything was set up and waiting for a tea ceremony to begin though there are currently no tea ceremonies being held. Hopefully someday soon.
From the Japanese Garden, the path meandered towards the Chines Garden.
The Chinese Garden is my absolute favorite of all the beautiful gardens here at the Huntington Library. There’s always something new to discover and admire.
After grabbing a bite to eat at the Jade Cafe we reluctantly decided to head home. I couldn’t help comparing this area towards the Springtime visit a few months ago. The one constant is that these flowers will bloom again next year, and God Willing I will be here to see them again.
A successful afternoon, good exercise, beautiful surroundings and wonderful conversation. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.