Mosaic Monday at the Garden

Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews by the Sea.... Ahhh, what a glorious place to wile away a few hours.. Having won both national and provincial awards, it has been named one of Canada's Top Ten Public Gardens. The estate and property which now form the gardens were donated by John and Lucinda Flemer; the estate had a long history of fine gardens and Kingsbrae was created to expand this heritage. The 27 acre site includes two ponds, streams, a woodland trail, and a variety of gardens. My favourites have always been the perennial garden, the rose garden and the knot garden. Before you even pass through the entrance you can enjoy the entry garden (this year featuring an impressive display of colourful begonias and two begonia "trees," above), the white garden and a wonderful cottage garden, complete with a wonderful drift of lavender.
Other treasures include the bird and butterfly garden, the children's fantasy garden, a sculpture garden, the heath and heather garden and a therapy and scents and sensitivity garden. Display gardens showcase various collections of plant species, and demonstration gardens provide a place for experimenting with different gardening styles. These change over time, so there is always a reason to visit again! And of course there are always different things in bloom as the season progresses. I'm quite sure if I lived in St. Andrews I'd visit every week or two! You can walk through the garden in an hour or so, but if you have a camera in hand, or you are taking note of potential additions for your own gardens, it's very easy to spend several hours.... or more.

A section of the Knot Garden

Won't you walk with me now, down these paths for a closer look?

In case the floral beauty is not enough to keep you happy, you might chance upon this fine fellow. He surprised us when he just strolled out of some high grass, and let us walk right up to him, getting within about 2 feet. I didn't want to push my luck by getting any closer as I did take note of his sizeable claws... He was admiring himself in a mirror.. what is the saying.. "vain as a peacock"?  Well this fellow DID appear rather vain!

Of course, if I had a tail like this, I might be a little vain too....

Beauty in all colours, shapes and sizes, everywhere you look at Kingsbrae Garden. Over 2,500 species. Worthy of several hours of your time, for sure!

I'm linking to Mosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage. Thanks Judith for hosting. Be sure and drop by to see what the other participants have been up to, or join in the fun...

Peace,
Linda

"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature." ~ Gerard de Nerval