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Cat's Corner

Blogging About Books, Writing, Travel, Film & More

Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown

3/28/2021

10 Comments

 
Finally – signs this wretched pandemic is winding down!

Vax’d and masked, I recently wandered the newly re-opened J. C. Raulston Arboretum on a fine spring afternoon with my BFF. I hadn’t seen her *IN PERSON* for nearly 14 months! 
 
Join me on a photo walk to reset your lockdown life with sights and signs of hope from spring 2021.
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com
Japanese Garden: JC Raulston Arboretum


​I once led Sunday tours around this free-to-the-public 10-acre arboretum and botanical garden.  It's an oasis tucked behind a busy street in Raleigh, NC, that's administered by North Carolina State University. But the arb has been closed per our state’s pandemic guidelines for more than a year, and I’ve missed it!
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com
Entrance gate - JC Raulston Arboretum


​This is a magical place,
​where you can walk on water …
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com
Water Garden


​Get married in the White Garden gazebo  …
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com
White Garden

​
​Check out a bee hotel …
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​Or just enjoy being outside in nature
and out of lockdown
​on a perfect spring afternoon.
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​​More than 200 dedicated volunteers
maintain the garden’s nearly
5,000 different kinds of plants
collected from around the world.
Picture


Today is even more special because
I’m meeting my BFF at the arb,
and it’s the first time we’ve met face-to-face in more than 14 months!

We’re still masked,
as everyone must be on state property,
but we don’t care.
​It’s sheer joy catching up IRT and strolling together.
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com
Cat (left) with her bestie


​​We chatter away,
passing happy daffodils
watched over by a towering green giant,
who waves at us with massive, outstretched limbs.


I think the gardens are just as happy to see us
as we are to see them -:D
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​​Nearby,
the green giant’s pal, Cousin Itt,
​nods with approval ...
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​​
​as merry waterfalls dance for visitors.
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com


​

​Looking up …
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com


​
​Bending close …
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com



​​or looking down …
#GettingBacktoNormal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown - catmichaelswriter.com




​​
​
you never know
what you’ll discover
around any corner
​at the arboretum.
Getting Back to Normal Photo Walk - Springtime in the Arboretum after 12 Months of Lockdown ~ catmichaelswriter.com
Bee buzzing magnolia bud

Your Turn

I hope you’re finding signs of your #BackToNormal life, too. If so, please share in the comments. We're all eager for good news and hope -:D

photos: by Cat Michaels

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10 Comments
Sara link
3/29/2021 08:46:06 am

Visiting botanical gardens and arboretums is one of my favourite things! Would love to see this one day in NC, but in the meantime I'll enjoy your post!

Reply
Cat Michaels
3/29/2021 12:28:00 pm

Sara, wandering botanic gardens is my happy place, too. Here’s to opening all of them and more soon.

Reply
Michelle Leslie link
3/29/2021 10:18:11 am

Oh how lovely. I've missed going to our botanical gardens too. They used to hold concerts there ever month and it's always so much fun to take a picnic basket and relax in gardens surrounded by nature. I'm glad you git a chance to go again and see your BF.

Reply
Cat Michaels
3/29/2021 12:29:44 pm

oooooo... your gardens and concerts sound lovely. All returning for you sooooooooon!

Reply
Rosie Russell link
3/29/2021 10:39:37 am

What beautiful photos, Cat. So glad you were able to get out and enjoy the amazing scenery at this place.

Also, so happy you were able to see your bestfriend. I bet you two had fun catching up in person.

Thanks for sharing.
Happy Spring!
~Rosie

Reply
Cat Michaels
3/29/2021 12:32:26 pm

You are great company on my virtual arb stroll, Rosie! “Serenity” is the perfect word for a garden. Nothing better than time in nature other than meeting a bestie there after months of lockdown life.

Reply
Anita Holland link
3/29/2021 09:26:08 pm

Wow, these photos are stunning, there is still so much beauty in the world.

Reply
Cat Michaels
4/1/2021 05:12:56 pm

You are such a delightful virtual travel buddy, Anita! Agree.....nature offers so much beauty when we slow down and take time to see it.

Reply
Rae Jean Poff
5/4/2021 04:03:00 pm

We were glad to have had the opportunity of seeing the gardens with you and hubby.I love your views on the different features such as "walking on water".

Reply
Cat Michaels
5/4/2021 05:13:04 pm

So much to see at the Arb, Rae Jean, and so many opportunities for fun and imagination in the garden. You’re delightful company. Glad you enjoyed your stroll with me -:D!

Reply

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