Today I visited Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia while taking part in the ZNA Koi and Pond Expo. The beautiful, huge koi are worth the trip, but the ninety-five acre garden is a delightful spot to spend a September afternoon.

Unfortunately, the summer’s heat and extended dry spell have made the garden a bit crispy around the edges, but there’s plenty to see, and much in bloom. Butterflies abound, swooping between late summer blooming perennials, and in greater variety than I see in my garden.

Late blooming coneflowers and sunflowers flop about in their full glory, planted between tall grasses.

The conifer collection is outstanding and worthy of a second visit to take more time to explore. The hosta garden has suffered the brunt of the late summer drought, so another visit in May will be in order.