Arlington National Cemetery Part 2: UPDATED Jan 2017

BY SKEETER

Back at Arlington National Cemetery, we get a front view of "The Tomb of the Unknowns". I was captivated by the tree lined wall leading up to the site.

Backing off a bit, we see a fountain as well. Off for the winter of course but none the less making a beautiful photo. I only wish I had the Saint move our car up a bit (duh)  I do not know how to photo shop it out of the perfect picture.

The Wall of trees were stunning and I have no idea what type trees they could be. Does anyone have any information they can share on them?

******************************

UPDATE: JAN 10, 2017

The Saint and I visited Arlington National Cemetery once again over Christmas vacation 2016. I have solved the mystery of the Wall of Trees along the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 Just as Janet from the Queen of Seaford said, they are indeed Linden's. Here is a photo of one of the signs posted along the Walled Route!

 And there are more Lindens "Littleleaf" in the area as well.

 Facing the Tomb, the trees to the right seem to have been damaged since our last visit 4 years ago. I can only assume ice or brutal winds, age and disease are the blame. So there you have it, Wait around long enough (in this instance 4 years) and I will have your mysteries solved, In the Garden...

*****************************

Zooming in a bit we can see the monument a bit better and a rare photo as no spectators are in view. An early arrival assured this view.

Zooming in a bit closer and you see the Guard at work.

And zooming in yet a bit more, you can see the "Tomb of the Unknowns". I have a simple little camera but it has a powerful zoom, I tell ya. Click HERE to learn more about the Tomb of the Unknowns.

We continued on up the hill to the Tomb. Green Grass, the tree lined wall, water fountain and evergreens in view.

 Upon the Guards turn, you can see the pretty flowers in the planter behind him. 

We witness the Changing of the Guard and also a Wreath Laying Ceremony complete with the playing of Taps. I had to hold back the tears with this touching ceremony with so many sad emotions taking over my body.

I spotted this Holly filled with berry's which quickly turned my mood around.  

This evergreen tree caught my eye as well. It reminded me of the Christmas trees of Germany.

 Blooms were popping open reminding me of life.

We visited John F. Kennedy's plot. 

Now we head up to Arlington House also known as Lee's House. That hill must be fun to mow. 

Views of downtown Washington D.C. from above. 

The side of Arlington House shows signs of gardens.  

 I have never been there during the summer so have no idea what the gardens are like. I must return during a warmer month.

The Kitchen Gardens are lacking this time of year as to be expected.  

Signs tell us they grew Asparagus, Lettuce, Tomato, Peppers and Cucumber. Strawberry Patch and Herb Garden as well. Chickens and Guinea Hens were kept on the property also. I am assuming they have a nice veggie garden in the summer months. 

Near the house one finds a small amphitheater.

Vines are growing up each support of the arbor.  

This tells me that the vines are Wisteria. I can only imagine the blooms in the spring.  

The setting for many Memorial Services. Click HERE to learn more.  

Zooming in just below the stage, I spotted Rose's.

I found a pathway that led to some stairs so I took them to get a front view of Arlington House.  

I was overcome by a stench and soon discovered these fruit all over the place.  

I looked up to the tree above to discover a huge tree! Upon further investigation I spotted these leaves telling me that I have found a Ginkgo Tree! I have talked about the large Ginkgo tree that I grew up with in my childhood home. Click HERE to read that blog. With that posting so long ago, people mentioned the bad scent of the Ginkgo tree which I had never experienced. A male/female thing and now I can say I have experienced that nasty scent so many complained about!  Imagine me discovering this in all places, Arlington National Cemetery!  

Pink Rose and Muhly Grass.  

Once leaving the House area, one is reminded of being in the middle of a cemetery and not a garden.

I spotted this oddly shaped monument and decided to get a closer peek.  

 This one touched home as my hometown in Clarksville, TN is connected with Ft Campbell, KY.

After reading this, I see why the shape of the monument to the fallen. 

At that very moment, a Military Fly Over took place above my head. Every hair upon my arms stood straight up! I knew someone had just been laid to rest near by. This really got my attention and reminded me of all the sacrifices made for us here in the United States of America! I have never walked on such sacred grounds as ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, In the Garden...


Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Oh Deer, My Poor Magnolia UPDATED Jan 2017

BY SKEETER

 

The first Magnolia tree here in my Georgia Gardens has been doing great this past year. Well, until now. Look what I woke up to this morning! 

Limbs stripped from the center down on my beloved Little Gem! 

My first thought was those darn squirrels. Upon closer examination, we do not think this damage is from a squirrel. The bark is too rubbed off the small trunk.

Odd scratches from the side of the trunk.

And this deep print in the dirt below, have us thinking on another course.

We have heard that male deer will rub their antlers on trees during rutting season. And the fact that we spotted this 10 point Buck (male deer) in our woods soon after examining our tree, leads us to believe we have solved the mystery.  OH DEER, MY POOR MAGNOLIA, In the Garden...

Note: I tried for a better pic of the Buck but he would not come out of the woods for a photo op. He was after a nearby Doe. Bet we have more babies next spring...

UPDATE: January 2017
In response to a new comment, I decided to add a little update to my original posting about the deer and Magnolia tree...

As you can see, the Magnolia tree is still with me today. Not only did the deer strip the lower limbs and scrap the bark of the tree, squirrels have been an issue as well. The deer used the tree as a marker for their sent by rubbing their antlers on it twice! And then squirrels started to climb the tree and eat the blooms while in their budding stage.

 Since we enjoy the critters within our gardens, we try to live in harmony. So instead of Annie grabbing her gun and shooting the creatures on the earth, she instead tries to balance things a bit. I have found a way to keep the squirrels at bay with a stove pipe around the trunk. This worked well for the Crabapple tree and now it flourishes. I also squirt a bit of "Liquid Fence" in the area to ward off the deer.

As you can see, the limbs from the deer destruction back in Oct. 2012 never grew back. Hopefully in time the Magnolia Tree or Topiary as I now call it, will thrive. But for now, she just chugs along ever so slowly. It is never a dull moment in my Georgia Gardens with the wildlife.

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden