Mynelle Gardens, Revisited / Part 2

This is the second in a series of posts featuring a photo tour of Mynelle Gardens in Jackson, Mississippi.  If you missed the first part, you can click on the link if you would like to read it before you read Part 2.

Mynelle Gardens, Revisited / Part 1

You may also want to read about my first visit to the Gardens which was on April 18, 2011.  It goes into more detail and includes additional pictures not featured in this tour of my most recent visit.

Mynelle Gardens, Jackson, Mississippi

Now, back to our tour.  Although each and every path in the gardens is unique and beautiful in its own way, the focal point of the gardens is a large pond with a bridge that looks as if it belongs in a Monet painting.

The pond is surrounded by tall yellow Louisiana Irises, whose reflections fascinated and captivated me.  I loved photographing the reflections of the flowers and their foliage in the water's edge. 

I like the way the trees are reflected in the picture below ...

So beautiful!

Another landmark in the gardens, and probably one of the most photographed, is this incredibly lifelike bronze statue called On a Wing and a Prayer,  which was created by Cynthia Sparrenberger of Sedalia, Colorado.

 

The following pictures feature some of the other magnificent works of art found in the Gardens.

I just happened to catch a Thrush (?) resting on this oriental statue.

This colorful Japanese Maple tree stands near the statue ...

In the heart of the Gardens, you will find this amazing bronze work of art, Circle of Peace, which depicts children from all walks of life playing together.   The lifelike figures were created by artist Gary Price.

  

The Butterfly Garden features this life-size sculpture, Butterfly Cowboy, by Dan Hill.

This pair of herons found a nice quiet spot to spend their days beside the pond.

  And this lovely lady seemed perfectly happy nestled amongst the azaleas ...

I am a tree lover, and the Gardens are home to dozens of varieties of trees, including towering old oaks, Crape Myrtles, Magnolias, Sycamores, and this magnificent Dawn Redwood tree.

Once it was only a well known and widespread fossil, until specimens were found in 1941 in China.  It is planted chiefly for its exceedingly rapid growth and interesting history since it has been growing and reproducing itself for at least 50 million years!

Its branches and leaves form a delicate canopy overhead ...

In sharp contrast to its rough bark ...

This old magnolia caught my eye, as well ...

I think the trunks of Crape Myrtles are especially beautiful,

and I love this one perched at water's edge ...

The oaks were truly majestic, standing tall above the Gardens.  Their widespread canopies will be a blessing during our soon-to-be hot and humid Mississippi summer ... 

I believe the "tree" in the picture below is a Snowball Tree.  It reminded me of a giant hydrangea plant, and I'd love to go back and capture its blooms when they turn white, which should be in a week or so, from what I've read.

I loved every minute of the time I spent in Mynelle Gardens, and commend the lifelong dedication of its founder and creator, Mynelle Westbrook Hayward.  Through her forethought, perseverance, and hard work,  she brought to life her visions of a beautiful garden, where the settings change with the season, even with the time of day ... but are always tranquil and inviting.  My thanks to her family for sharing her legacy with the communities of Jackson and the surrounding area.

If you are ever near Jackson, I hope you will take the time to visit Mynelle's beautiful Gardens, where serendipity and lagniappe await you at the end of every path, across every bridge, and around every bend.

The Glory of Irises

Irises are one of the best known and loved garden plants.  One of the earliest harbingers of Spring, the easy-to-grow perennial comes back year after year.

Irises come in a rainbow of colors, and in Greek mythology Iris was the Goddess of the Rainbow, and was the messenger of the Gods. The Greeks planted irises on women's graves in hope that the Goddess Iris would guide their souls to their final resting places.

The fleur-de-lis, one of the most well known of all symbols, is derived from the shape of the iris's three main petals, which are symbolic for Faith, Valor, and Wisdom.  The oldest iris symbolism comes from Egypt where the iris was a symbol for life.

Yellow Ruffles

A "flame" I found burning deep within the heart of a Purple Iris.

Elegance in White

         

Lavender Blue

Pretty in Pink!

A perfect little candle holder ...

Iris Growing Tips:   (By Doris Winton, a Master Judge for the American Iris Society) Plant them in a sunny spot in late summer. The plants need well-drained soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day.  Prepare their beds. Doris recommends a low-nitrogen fertilizer and a soil pH slightly less than 7, which is neutral. She applies a granular fertilizer twice a year -- in early spring and just after bloom when the rhizomes are forming the next year's flowers. Water only if it is extremely dry or after transplanting. Give them room to breathe. Bearded iris require good air circulation. Plant them a minimum of 16 to 18 inches apart (less space for dwarf irises and more for taller varieties). Do not mulch. Mulching retains moisture, and too much moisture will cause soft rot of the rhizomes. Break off seedpods that form after the blooms have faded.This prevents seedlings from choking the surrounding soil. Seed formation also saps energy needed by the rhizomes, roots, and leaves. Prune back the foliage in the falls. This will reduce the chances of overwintering pests and diseases. Make dividing a habit. Divide clumps of bearded iris every three to four years in the late summer.

The Ultimate Fleur-de-Lis ... God's!