Tulips and Orchid

Some flowers that I can identify.

More Flowers

I'm really ashamed to admit that I don't know what flower this is.  I don't know much about flowers, and the only ones I'm confident in identifying are roses, orchids, african violets, pansies and geraniums. I'm lost when it comes to these bigger flowers.

Flower Show

One of the first sure signs that spring will be here soon is the annual Connecticut Flower and Garden Show.  I've attended this show for the last few years since it provides a nice opportunity to photograph  flowers, landscape designs, and other interesting items.  Every show is slightly different, however this year I felt the flower displays that were up for judging weren't quite as good as in years past.  There wasn't as much variety as I've seen.  Still it was good show and I'll be posting more.

Castle

Gillette Castle

This looks out of place in Connecticut and might seem more at home in England or Scotland.  The castle here was built by the noted playwright, director and actor, William Hooker Gillette between the years 1914 and 1919.  It was designed by Gillette himself and built from native fieldstone. This is how the castle appears from across the Connecticut River.  The castle and the surrounding estate are now a state park.

Gazebo

Essex, CT

River View

Connecticut River at Essex CT.

Reeds

Phragmites australis

I think I've identified these plants correctly.  It's also known as a common reed and it grows in wetlands all throughout Connecticut and the east coast.  From what I've read there are two species, which look very similar but can be identified through genetic testing.  One species is native, while the other might have been introduced from Eurasia by way of the water in ship's ballast.  

Reflections III

Norwich, CT     

Something Different

One doesn't run across dinosaurs everyday.  This guy stands guard at the entrance of The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art, an attraction located in Montville, CT.  Inside you can learn about fossils, minerals and such, as well as about dinosaurs.  I drive by this place a lot and finally stopped to take some pictures.  

Fishing the Yantic

I was walking along the Yantic River in Norwich, CT and came upon this fisherman.  I hope I didn't disturb him, but I noticed he didn't seem very patient, only spending a minute or two at any particular spot before reeling in his line and moving to another spot along the river.  I exchanged pleasantries with him, but didn't ask how the fish were biting on this day.

Free Wood Chips

After Hurricane Irene came through Connecticut last August, the town here set aside this parking lot as an area where residents could dump all the brush and downed tree limbs.  After weeks of cleanup, the resulting pile of brush was pretty big, probably 25-30 feet tall and covering a good part of this lot.  The town then chipped all the wood, and the resulting pile of chips was almost as tall.  Now the chips are free to anyone who wants them, but load them at your own risk. You can get some idea of how big the pile was  below.  After a couple of more weeks, I'm sure all the wood chips will be gone.

Reflections II

This reflection is seen in the Yantic River, not far from where it flows into the Thames River.  The skies were particularly dramatic on this Saturday in February and reflected well in the still waters of the Yantic.

Reflections

Although now used for recreational boating, this harbor in Norwich was once bustling with boats carrying goods to and from Norwich by way of the Thames River.  One can sail from here all the way into Long Island Sound, which is about 15-20 miles to the south.  In the summer time the slips are all filled with boats, but at this time of the year without the boats present,  the water allows for some nice reflections.

Rocks IV

Rocks III

I like to photograph rocks. I don't have to worry about them moving and as far as I can tell, they don't mind me taking their picture.  I think these boulders are left over from the last glacier, which left here about  13,000 years ago.