Botanic Gardens

Monday was a free day at the Botanic Gardens so we went to check it out. I realize now isn't the optimal time to see everything, but it's been on my list of places to take Matthew and I figured worst case scenario we could go some place different on a walk and I wouldn't be spending any money.

Here's Matthew walking on a path in the Chinese garden.

Something I learned is that although to most Western peoples the path may seem disorganized and chaotic it is meant to encourage discovery and spontaneity. They frequently have little buildings called a Ting which means pause in Chinese where you can sit to reflect on the beauty around you.

Matthew was excited to see some cacti. The building itself was closed, but he was happy to find this one with all it's "pokes."

There is a building with tropical plants (which Matthew wanted to go through twice; once at the beginning and again at the end). They had a laminated page that was a little scavenger hunt and Matthew really liked carrying it around with his erasable marker, checking things off.

So all in all it was a successful trip for us. I am definitely looking forward to going back again in blooming season.