Botanical Gardens 2/1/22

Thanks to Margaret P for organizing and leading this unusual hike!

Bill

Here are the pictures. Click on the "i" to see my picture captions in the album.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ewPPbhxbcPxASLAk6

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On the first part of the hike – we passed a coastal Redwood that had a sign listed 2013 as the date it was planted. Near the Butterfly House, several of us were discussing the huge Redwoods there and wondering if they were planted when the gardens were first established in the 1930’s. I sent a question into the garden’s Curator of Woody Plants Carl Simmons and he responded: “I consulted our Director of Horticulture Les Parks. He thinks they were planted in the early 60's. The other redwoods at Nato Tower were planted at that time and he thinks they were all planted together.”

Amazing that those trees grow so fast – I see a note linked to the Gardens website that those trees which are native to California, grow very quickly in the warm humid climate here. Also, the largest one we were looking at is listed as a ‘State Champion’:

https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/collections/champion-trees/

Regards,Bill Leber

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Thanks Margaret, you did a great job of organizing today's hike. It is always fun to wander through the trails there. You find interesting areas each time we go. Great to see everyone. Outdoor adventure with good friends and socializing. Marti

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Thank you, Margaret, for leading this hike. I had not considered visiting the gardens in a long time. Also thank you for organizing the pass holders to lower the expense of the visit and to those pass holders for sharing. It has been many years since I had been there in the daylight. I especially enjoyed the non-paved wooded trails, the redwood trees, views of the surrounding lakes and seeing some of the vistas that I remembered from past daylight trips. The information that Sherry was able to share from her knowledge of the gardens enhanced the experience. I will definitely have to plan another visit when more things are blooming. Thanks, Bill Bu

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Thanks for another wonderful day! Here are just a few pics. Norfolk Botanical Gardens: TATC Tuesday Group 2022_0201 https://photos.app.goo.gl/WWrcMqHmbPZFn48S8

Also, the Gardens are celebrating Black Histry Month with FREE Admission Thursdays. Go to thier website to reserve your ticket. Ride your bike in February as well, Sherri

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