We brought along a picnic lunch, although there was a restaurant onsite. After our picnic, we visited the Children's Center that included a beautiful greenhouse and activites about plant functions, etc.
One of my favorite flowers in the greenhouse (and now I can't remember the name of it!)
Outside the Children's Center is a "nature playground." We could have spent hours here if only those pesky gnats would have left us alone! Amaya had a great time climbing over the logs, hiding in the forts, and having a tea party with wooden plates, etc.
One of the forts
A tree made out of pinecones
The trees were amazing - big old oak trees everywhere!
Throughout the gardens, were various statues and sculptures. This one is part of the collection called, "Steelroots."
Amaya liked the "dancers."
We all loved this "House of Sticks!"
And had fun getting lost in it!
And now begins the tour of the gardens!
"Follow me!"
Part of the "Bog Walk" (had we realized how big the arboretum was, we would have liked to take the remainder of the trail - they have over 12 miles of hiking trails!)
Amaya cheesing it up!
"Peek!" A tower overlooking the herb garden.
Amaya loved all the fountains and the lily pads.
The Japanese Garden with a koi pond.
The Rose Garden (my favorite exhibit)
Amaya at the Sensory Garden
After several hours of walking, we decided to take the 3 mile scenic drive to the Maze Garden.
It was more challenging than we had anticipated because the shrubs were so thick and tall!
We were running out of time and were still nowhere near the exit, so a little girl happened to show us a secret side exit and we were able to get out! I wish we could have done the entire maze, but hopefully next time.
We'd like to go back during the fall season when all the colors are changing, but we may need to save that for next year. But overall, it was a gorgeous and awesome day enjoying God's creations!