Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Steve and I visited a few days ago, but before our walk through the Conservatory and gardens, we had a snack in the restaurant.  It was supposed to be a snack but was a little more than that.  The food is so fresh and delicious.   Steve got the red pepper and crab bisque with dill shrimp.  I got the homemade vegetable soup and shared some dill shrimp with him.   Through the french doors is a terrace with tables to enjoy dining outside among beautiful Peonies.

I really like the decor of their restaurant

 didn't get a picture of the peonies on the terrace, but I got one in the garden. Beautiful pinks.

view of another dining hall

really like the chandelier

Beautiful fountain greets us as we stroll to the conservatory and gardens

There were more than 22,000 tulips and daffodils.

picture of a stone wall with plants

view of conservatory from rose garden

I will visit when they are in bloom and take some pictures

rose garden area

The theme is "Glorious glass in the Garden"

The art of Hans Frabel - worlds most famous flame-work glass artist

Gorgeous botany in glass

There is more than 100 sculptures on display including lizards and frogs.

Light danced off of this sculpture - beautiful

My camera batteries were just about dead, so I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted.

I thought they would have them on sale in the gift shop but didn't ,  I bet I take extra batteries next time.

visit- frabel.com- to learn more

along the way, there are gazebos

this tree is in the childrens play area

nice lake and another gazebo for gazing along the lake

view of childrens play area

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I can't leave till I show what is so pretty in my yard

my favorite,  this azalea is almost 6 ft. tall.

grand daddys beard ( I have heard it called) or fringe tree

smells very sweet.

Bloomin

The Azaleas have really come out this week along with the Ajuga Bugle blooming all over the area.  Planters will be filled with my old standby - Petunias.  I  will probably get the light purple and yellow, they seem to have a stronger scent.  My  husband cut down with the lawn mower most of the Peonies,  oh well - maybe next year.

I have been trying to give some shape to the boxwoods,  I like to try anyway and  never worry about cutting them.   The ones in my front yard have been cut back more than a couple of feet in 3 seasons and the light that gets to the inside makes them fuller.  I just keep removing branches so the light can get to the center.

I will miss the dogwood blooms

Barter Theatre - Abingdon Va.

In the era of the Depression - Robert Porterfield traveled back to his native Southwest Va..  He had the idea to barter produce from the farms and gardens of the area to gain admission to see a play.
June 1933,  Barter Theatre opened it's doors.   Admission was $.40 cents or equivalent in vegetables.  4 out of 5 paid their way with vegetables, livestock or dairy.

The actors sometime would be distracted by a squealing pig or noisy hen.   Distractions also came from the town jail which was located underneath the stage, which was later used for dogs suspected of having rabies.  Later converted to dressing rooms for Barter actors.

In 1963 President Kennedy praised Porterfield,  the founder of Barter Theatre.
Barters best known alumni are Gregory Peck, Gary Collins, Patricia Neal among others.
click on to enlarge

this was neat the way you could click on screen for a recorded history of the town and Theatre.

an old home in the town of Abingdon

I thought this place looked spooky

this was taken in side dining area of Martha Washington Spa and Hotel which is across the street from Barter