Tulips III

Tulips II

Tulips

 

Another one of my favorite gardens. This one is behind one of Colonial Williamsburg's taverns and actually sandwiched between buildings so I suspect that it's not always seen by casual passers-by. Only, on this particular day, the tulips seemed to be almost screaming for attention.

Symmetry

 

"Symmetry is a defining characteristic feature of Colonial homes. The front door is always centered and bordered by an equal number of windows on either side of the door. The windows are traditionally multi-paned, and the shutters are in contrasting colors." -- Rocket Homes

Water Wells

 

"The early wells were hand dug, usually round, though there were some large wells that were dug in a square shape. They varied from three to four feet in diameter up to as large as ten feet or more. They had to be at least big enough for a man to swing a pick. The depth of the wells varied from home to home. Sometimes the settler could go twelve feet and have a good water supply, and other times he might have to go down a hundred feet. He would dig until he hit a seep or a stream of underground water which would supply his need. Then the hole was rocked up to hold and protect the water." -- 'Well, Well, Well" by Joe Jeffrey 

Spring Garden

 

One of my favorite Colonial Williamsburg gardens, especially during the spring season.

Hedges

 

In colonial times, and in many gardens today, hedges were used to outline a garden. These were used often as natural fences as well as used for their beauty. In Virginia, boxwoods were a very popular shrub used. A popular use, if one had the money, was to cultivate a maze or labyrinth. 

Well-tended shrubbery presented a place for private conversations and good hiding places for children's games. One could relax in the shade, or follow a trail to the rest of the garden. 

However, because plants like these tended to grow copiously, it was important to keep them in check. Every place a person went, these plants could be seen and recognized." -- National Park Service

Old School

 

Cherry Blossoms

 

I understand that we're experiencing an early bloom this year. Afternoon temps had risen into the low 70s briefly last week, which I suppose is the reason. But we're back into the mid to upper 50s this week. 

Campus Shop

 

It may not seem like much to outsiders, but this is a big deal here locally. The Campus Shop has moved!

After nearly 30 years on Prince George Street, the Campus Shop has now relocated to Duke of Gloucester St. (aka D.O.G. Street). to the building formerly occupied by the William & Mary Bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble.

I'll have to grab my camera and head over to the new location for some shots. Otherwise, a whole generation of W&M grads might be clueless. :-)

Open

 Nice wreath on the Kilwins confectionary's front door.

Shoulder Month

 

Just the slightest hint that spring is around the corner. March is one of those "shoulder months" here on the Middle Peninsula, when afternoon temperatures can range anywhere from the upper 60s and low 70s to the upper 40s and low 50s. Today, for instance, we're expecting a high of 55. Not quite as pleasant as last Wednesday when I snapped this picture and when the afternoon high was nearly 76. 

Welcome to spring! 

Updated 3/21/2024

The Dafs are Back

 

Lock

 

Love these reproductions of colonial-era locks.

Red Mulberry

 

Red mulberry, "is a species of mulberry native to eastern and central North America. It is found from Ontario, Minnesota, and Vermont south to southern Florida, and west as far as southeastern South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and central Texas. There have been reports of isolated populations (very likely naturalized) in New Mexico, Idaho, and British Columbia.

Common in the United States, it is listed as an endangered species in Canada, and is susceptible to hybridization with the invasive white mulberry (M. alba), introduced from Asia." -- Wikipedia

Sparrow

 

Linking again today with Skywatch Friday

Sheep

 Colonial Williamsburg's Leicester Longwool Sheep

Calf

 

Since image editing has become such a "thing" lately, thanks to a photograph posted by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Windsor, I thought I might just note that none of my images have been altered other than some cropping and adjustments for light. Once in awhile, but rarely, I might retouch an image that's shows some flaring or other distracting feature. Otherwise, I prefer leaving the images as they were when I took the photograph, for good or ill. 

333

 

Daffs

 

It's beginning to look and feel a lot like spring around here.

Monkee's

 

Monkee's is now open for business. According to the Monkee’s of Williamsburg website, the store offers an extensive selection of designer boutique-style shoes, clothing, and accessories that are hand-picked seasonally to reflect current trends while also maintaining a classic Southern style.

Ox Bodies

According to its web site, Ox Bodies designs and manufactures dump truck bodies for construction, demolition, aggregate, municipal, agricultural and industrial applications. Seems quite appropriate indeed here in a town where one regularly sees real live oxen at work. :-)

Harbinger

I was surprised to see such bright color already beginning to appear in this garden. 

Palace Gate

 

Palace gate looks like it could use a little attention this spring.