Rhymes With Shadow

I don't get to Saratoga Springs as often as I'd like, but this weekend, I took a little detour to revisit the gardens at Yaddo.  The imposing stone mansion at the historic artists retreat is strictly private, but the beautiful gardens (with their fountains, roses, and statues) are open to the public. 

"I was contemplating...a bug!"

This little critter was perched in the flower beds in front of the Albany Institute of History & Art on a hot Thursdays afternoon. Watching it made waiting for the bus a little more interesting.

Ivy

English ivy winds its way up a tree as a little angel perches on a birdbath in this small shaded garden near the Empire State Plaza

Library Lilies

Outside the main branch of the Albany Public Library on Washington Avenue is a small garden. Just two little plots on either side of the front entrance.

Most people just walk by without a second glance on their way in and out of the building. And, this being a public library in an urban setting, there are often some rather unsavory loiters in their usual spots on the concrete benches edging the garden.

But this little garden is worth noticing, particularly the hibiscus with huge wine-colored flowers.

Yesterday, on the way out of the library with some novels for late summer reading, I spotted one of my favorite flowers - these elegant white lilies - in full bloom.