What’s in a Garden

As my first solo show is coming to a close and as the weather attempts to warm up, it’s that time of year for me to start looking around for interesting places to visit locally and farther a field. I know it is still February but I am already looking forward to visiting towns and parks in the western parts of North Carolina as well as other parts of the country. One of the first places I aim to visit is Sarah P. Duke Gardens. I visited the gardens shortly after moving here and photographed a little. My goal for this trip is to capture the cherry blossom leaves. The cherry trees are planted throughout the gardens and present a beautiful welcome to the spring as it comes to North Carolina. The blossoming trees form a gorgeous tunnel that that attract tourists from all over to the gardens.

The Sarah P Duke Gardens is a botanical garden that is located in the heart of Duke University and is 55 acres. The gardens were dedicated in 1939 but began in 1934 and consist of five miles of allées, walks, and pathways. The gardens showcase native plants, gardens and terraces, an asiatic arboretum, and much more. I look forward to revisiting the gardens and trying different techniques.

Every spring the cherry blossoms bloom and stay for only a moment of spring time bliss. The cherry trees themselves are native to Japan and in Japan there is a tradition known as hanami, which means flower viewing. This trip which will take place sometime in March or April is dependent upon their bloom but I look forward to photographing the cherry blossoms as they bloom welcoming the spring.