September stroll at the Central Experimental Farm and Arboretum

Fletcher Wildlife Garden

Silver Poplar bark

That end of summer feeling is in the shops and mind. I’m not quite psyched up for the approaching fall and I thought I should get in a
pre-autumn walk before the non-commercial signs are too obvious. Umbrella in hand, I headed back over to the Arboretum and Central Experimental Farm. The rain held off and it turned out to be a perfect Sunday afternoon.

I’ve been looking at several books on trees, wild fruits and nuts, and foraging. I see people picking crab apples and I think I may try gathering some and experimenting with a jelly. Today, however, was about walking, not foraging, and I drew my inspiration from a copy of For the Love of Trees by Richard Hinchcliff and Roman Popadiouk, which is a guide to the trees at the
Arboretum.

I do love trees! I’m also drawn to architecture and have developed an interest in barn architecture. It makes
this a great place to stroll! As I wandered through the Farm I was curious about the “experimental” aspect of the corn stalks – they certainly attracted a lot of crows.

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Outdoor moments

Standing  in the rain this morning, I looked around and contemplated the peacefulness of the moment while I continued to pluck tiny weeds out of pots. I was doing a solo volunteer shift at the  arboretum. The rain and solitude reinforced my awareness of the pleasure of engaging in this simple act. Actually, every Thursday when I walk down the road to the RJ Hilton Centre I am conscious of how much place can influence life.

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Afternoon stroll at the University of Guelph Arboretum

It was a beautiful sunny day today and I made my way over to the University of Guelph’s Arboretum. I needed a little revitalization and spending the afternoon outside amid nature is a great spirit lifter. It would have been nice to have my old snowshoes but boots were fine for the well-trodden paths. The grounds are serene and beautiful and there are signs of winter transitioning into spring.

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