BIKE THE GARDENS” FEBRUARY 28, 2017
led by Faye and Mark C
Thirty-four people enjoyed Norfolk Botanical Gardens on this unusually mild and sunny day.
Meeting at K-Mart on Norview Avenue and Military Highway to sign waivers, get directions, and team up with NBG members so that no one had to pay admission, were Faye, Mark, Marti, Diane L, Su, Ron, Gwyn, Ellis, Sandra, Bill B, Jack, Tom, Chris, Carol, Emily, Joe, Steve R, Bob A, Lois, Christopher, Steve Ros, Pete, Barbara, Dorothy, Dell, Larry, Evelyn, Chantal, Bruce D, Nancy D, Bob Saff, and Brenda B.
The group proceeded to the parking lot of the NBG Visitors Center where they went to view a short film about the history of the 175 acre Garden, take advantage of the restrooms and peruse the gift shop. Once completed, the group prepared to either walk some of the trails of the Garden or ride their bikes on a circuit of the 12 miles of paved trails that were open to bicycles only for the month of February. The cyclists followed Faye as they started their ride past the Rose Garden, over Rose Garden Bridge, through the crape myrtles, past the Native Plant Garden, Wildflower Meadow and Butterfly Garden, looping around the Enchanted Forest, then circling around the Flowering Arboretum, turning left toward the Children's Garden, then right past the Conifer Garden and Baker Overlook, then left over Cobblestone Bridge, and an immediate left once over the Bridge to head up the opposite side of the canal past the Healing Garden and Colonial Garden, then another left through Renaissance Court, then right through the Camellia Collection, left past the picnic area, across the main road and a loop around Mirror Lake, across the main road again and a stop at the Tropical Display House. Once everyone had been dazzled by the orchids and other exotic flowers inside, they had a little energy boost with some espresso almonds that Mark and Faye had brought. The group then proceeded back to the parking lot at the Visitors' Center, where some ventured into the Garden again to enjoy some of the sights a second time. All were reminded that, while they had seen some extraordinary camellias in bloom, untold numbers of sweet-smelling daffodils and pretty pink-blossomed tulip trees, they should plan a trip back to the garden to witness the thousands of azaleas, rhododendron putting on their show in April, and then, not to be outdone, the 3,000 roses in May. Twenty-four of the group then went to Franco's on Military Highway for a hearty (and economical) Italian Lunch.
Faye
Bill has shared his photo album with us. Click on the link to view and enjoy: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPJ0tzG2EQY4ZkIUrDvoU_aJzpICU3OYPpGfl7sgq-UE2SIu9bhmZBvjykQP4m4tw?key=ZTAxYW9Uc2FpeEYwdG9hMXVOaVdPMmhYd0FZYTN3