Botanical Stroll

Nature Walk Through a Sanctuary

I recently drove over to my favorite botanical gardens in Orlando. The weather was lovely, so it was the perfect day for a visit to this sanctuary. I thought about writing a poem for each picture that I shared, but I decided against it. I think the beauty that was captured speaks volumes for itself. Enjoy these lovely pictures, and I hope you find some joy in viewing them.

This is the opening that leads to a beautiful lakeside where you can sit on picnic benches or spread a blanket and layout on the lawn area. But beware, there are alligators present in the water. You are encouraged not to feed them and not to sit close to the edge of the pond. I did not see any gators, but I had hoped to just get a glimpse of one, ugh.

Azaleas — these beautiful flowers were sprinkled throughout the garden. These flowers that grow on shrubs brightened up the garden with splashes of their vibrant pink and coral colors everywhere.

Can you spot the squirrel? I think he posed just so I could take his picture. I tried to feed him some pita bread, but he kept running away. So, I sprinkled a few pieces all around just in case he got hungry and needed a snack for later.

In addition, some more Azaleas for you to see. The pink ones grow more aggressively from what I observed. The shrub on the right with the bright coral colored Azaleas does not have as many flowers, but still shined in its own way.

Ahhh, this is the lake/pond that is located inside the gardens. The first picture was taken on my recent visit, but the second and third pictures were taken in the Summertime. I wanted you to see how green and beautiful the trees were in the Summer before Winter’s cold burned their leaves and branches. Also, can you spot the turtles in the lake? I wrote a poem based on this exact scene that I witnessed, it was entitled Serenity Breath.

I was on my way to Chick-fil-A to see if Benjamin (a man experiencing homelessness that I wrote about a few weeks ago) was hanging out. On my way, I drove through a neighborhood, and was greeted by this gorgeous beauty. A Golden Trumpet Tree (Yellow Tabebuia) that gets its name because the flowers are shaped like tiny little trumpets. Visually these trees are stunning, and my picture did not capture its true essence.

My eyes and my heart were pleased by all the beauty I experienced in one day. I am so grateful to have this sanctuary that is just a short drive from my home. I am also grateful to all my nature lovers who inspired this piece. Patrick M. Ohana (M.), Dr Preeti Singh, Lyndsey Frondarina, Ivette Cruz, Bridget Webber, Kevin Jahleel Ishimwe, William J Spirdione, David Rudder, Darrin Atkins, and to the many others whose names have slipped my mind, I am grateful to you.

Thank you all for reading, I hope you are doing well and are protecting your energies.