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After two straight days of pouring rain (our rain gauge which holds 5 inches,overflowed), yesterday,we decided to take a drive in the country.We headed to one of YardBoy’s favorite places.Back in the day,he used to camp and fish along the Rainbow River.
So,we packed a picnic lunch,got in the Tacoma and headed north,to Rainbow Springs State Park.It was known as Blue Springs,until it was developed in the 1930’s.And was quite the tourist attraction(but not as well known as Silver Springs or Weeki Wachee),until I75 came through and took the tourists away from Dunellon,and it went into decline.The springs were taken over by the state of Florida in 1990,and volunteers from the community cleared the overgrowth .At this time of year it is known for the beauty of the flowering azaleas.
If we had waited another week,it would have been spectacular to see.
But,still,it was gorgeous….
Just walking the pathways.
YardBoy on the path to the Butterfly Garden, thinking, ”Please,God,don’t let her get any more ideas.”
Looking at the crystal clear water…
Wishing you had a Popeil Pocket Fisherman with you…..
On the way back,down other country roads,we stopped at a fruit stand,and bought some strawberries,tomatoes,broccoli,and some homemade Elderberry Jam(it was delish on our toast this morning!),and,of course,YardBoy had to buy a quart of hot,spicey boiled peanuts.I think you can figure out what he’s been snacking on all day…..
Today,was spent tidying up the gardens,willing freeze-damaged plants to life(I hope whispering words of encouragement works),and planting Florida Sweet and Vidalia onion sets amongst the flower beds.
And dinner tonight is T-Bones on the grill with the broccoli and tomatoes we bought,yesterday.
Wishing everyone a great week of great gardening weather!
11 comments:
That sounds a very relaxing weekend. I love this kind of weekend! Mine is still filled with kids' activities... Love those azaleas!
Yes, whispering words of encouragement works! LOL
Wish you have your garden back to the life this spring!
What a lovely, relaxing weekend. I love the whole thing, a walk through the park, full of azaleas, beautiful blue waters. A stop at a stand for some veggies and fruit, then steaks grilled to perfection and goodies from the stand.
Thanks for sharing. I hope your winter damaged plants make a wonderful comeback for you.
FlowerLady
That sounds like a very nice, relaxing time. It's hard not to get gardening ideas in a place like that. Yardboy should just resign himself to his fate:)
The Azalias look great as does the water. Makes me want to grab my mask and snorkle and jump in!
It's been almost a year exactly since Mom and I drove the roads to Dunnellon and stopped by Rainbow Springs. Then... the azaleas were just about to wilt off from lack of rain and they were almost finished blooming by March. Funny how different things can be from year to year.
Sounds like a great trip and the weather was nice, too. It's like a trip down Old Florida lane to visit Rainbow Springs.
Meems
Looks like you enjoyed a wonderful outing. And, the azaleas were an added bonus. They do seem to be blooming a little later this year.
I haven't been up there since I was a girl of 9 or 10. I so need to schedule a trip! It looks so beautiful!
Beautiful Flowers i love these all flowers Thank you..
Green Industry Web Site Design
I love the springs here in florida. thanks for the beautiful post.
Fabuloso!!! Great macro shots. Tell Yard Boy that he should have figured it out by now...the woman's job IS to come up with new idea! OH, Let's move all the front yard plants to the back yard and start over! Happy gardening!
**kisskiss** Deb
What a beautiful place to visit. You are very funny love the name yardboy! Lovely blog!
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