Alas, last weekend found me mentally wrapped up in matters unrelated to hiking, nature or any of the other outdoor areas my mind dwells so comfortably in. I was feeling quite melancholy, and only partially due to the cloudy morning of April 17th.
Seeking recovery, I sought comfort at the Buck Garden. As far as the gardens of Somerset County go, I generally prefer the Rose Garden at Colonial Park in Franklin Township. However, this year the garden is closed for renovations. Situated in the posh neighborhood of Far Hills, the Leonard J. Buck Garden has an air of sophistication.
Gravel paths trace the carefully tended borders. The sprinklers which keep everything green through dry spells raise their heads here and there among the ground cover.
The circular paths which pass around and through the grounds cross graceful bridges.
On this trip I learned from a poster at the visitor's center that the purple flowers above are called periwinkles.
The tree above is Witch Hazel, showing this species of tree's classic form.
For a complete description of the garden, please see the part website here.
Another distinctive park feature is the garden designer's love of plants and flowers that can seemingly grow out of bare rock.
It is a beautiful place, and I hope you will visit. Had I been more clearly disposed, I would have collected more information on the common and Latin name of many of the plants I viewed and photographed.
My favorite part of the garden is the two Dawn Redwood trees, which grow just down the hill from the visitor's center. I know of no other trees of this species growing on public land.
I believe the sun came out for approximately 5 minutes that Saturday, just long enough for me to catch the picture above. I recall promising myself and on my previous visit to the area, that I would return to photograph the garden in sunshine - maybe next time.
After the sun went in again, I returned to my vehicle and headed homeward. I was convinced that next weekend would be better.
