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T. David | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Rideau Woodland Ramble tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Rideau Woodland Ramble

Just outside of Merrickville, Ontario (see www.pbase.com/worldhoppr/merrickville) is an unsung treasure in the form of the Rideau Woodland Ramble. Each of us has probably been to many nursery/garden centers in our lifetimes. We have enjoyed wandering among the potted trees and plants as we pick our “perfect” plants for our garden or landscaping. Rideau Woodland Ramble has “raised the bar” when it comes to nursery/garden centers. Yes, you can wander through carefully arranged rows of pots and flats of flowers and other plants, choosing your favorites, but at Rideau Woodland Ramble (RWR) there is more, much more.

Overall, RWR occupies 7 acres of wooded land on Burritt’s Rapids Road off County Road 43. Watch as you drive up as it is easy to miss, and you definitely don’t want to do that. Somewhat hidden in the trees is RWR with its trails, flowers, ponds and fascinating artifacts inviting visitors to enjoy the peace and serenity of nature and the moment (and, of course, buy their “perfect” plantings).

This gallery presents one view on one day in June 2009. As the seasons change, so do the flowers and the rambling adventure at RWR. One thing does not change, however, the frogs. RWR is the home to a gathering of frogs around and in the water lily pond that, alone, make the visit worthwhile. I hope you enjoy the photographs we took as Heather and I made our personal ramble through the grounds so nicely made available to us by the people at RWR. (For more information, go to: www.rideauwoodlandramble.com, Rideau Woodland Ramble, 210 Burritt's Rapids Road, Merrickville, ON K06 1N0, Canada, 613 258 3797 )
Driving down Burritt's Rapids Road it is easy to miss...
Driving down Burritt's Rapids Road it is easy to miss...		 ... Rideau Woodland Ramble, if you are not careful.
... Rideau Woodland Ramble, if you are not careful.		 With ample parking, you can start your ramble ...
With ample parking, you can start your "ramble" ...		 ...by entering past the potted flowers and the main hut.
...by entering past the potted flowers and the main "hut."		 You first note that it is not like any other nursery/garden center ...
You first note that it is not like any other nursery/garden center ...
...there are places to sit and meditate on nature.
...there are places to sit and meditate on nature.		 The beautiful grounds ...
The beautiful grounds ...		 ...and garden displays are never ending.
...and garden displays are never ending.		 My first encounter was with a family of ceramic frogs...
My first encounter was with a family of ceramic frogs...		 ...followed by never-ending flowers.
...followed by never-ending flowers.
Starting to Bloom
Starting to Bloom		 ---
---		 Waiting to Bloom
Waiting to Bloom		 ---
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The gardens show the care that the RWR people have taken ...
The gardens show the care that the RWR people have taken ...		 ...to ensure your visit is memorable...
...to ensure your visit is memorable...		 ...and peaceful.
...and peaceful.		 Totems and the like enhance the beauty of nature on display for you.
Totems and the like enhance the beauty of nature on display for you.		 ---
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---		 These garden mushrooms reminded me ot the dancing 'shrooms in the Disney classic, Fantasia.
These garden mushrooms reminded me ot the dancing 'shrooms in the Disney classic, "Fantasia."		 ---
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---		 These beautiful blooms were so pretty...
These beautiful blooms were so pretty...		 ...I turned them 90 degrees and uploaded them again.
...I turned them 90 degrees and uploaded them again.
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---		 Ladybugs guard the trees and...
Ladybugs guard the trees and...		 ...the adjacent water lily pond.
...the adjacent water lily pond.		 Water ripples from the fountain accent the single blooming lily.
Water ripples from the fountain accent the single blooming lily.		 Stone garden nymphs prepare to use the pond for their enjoyment.
Stone garden nymphs prepare to use the pond for their enjoyment.
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But the best is yet to come...
But the best is yet to come...		 ... Frogs!
... Frogs!		 Ceramic frogs...
Ceramic frogs...		 ---
---		 ...Stained glass frogs,...
...Stained glass frogs,...
...and the real thing...
...and the real thing...		 ...guard the pond. (Hello, there!)
...guard the pond. (Hello, there!)		 ---
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Back in the gardens, we meet turtles and more 'shrooms.
Back in the gardens, we meet turtles and more 'shrooms.		 Mystical globes, ...
Mystical globes, ...		 Bears (Hi, Pooh!), ...
Bears (Hi, Pooh!), ...		 ... and orbs abound.
... and orbs abound.		 Roosters and ...
Roosters and ...
...red-winged blackbirds help ensure our serenity.
...red-winged blackbirds help ensure our serenity.		 ---
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---		 Here, even the lowly dandelion is special and beautiful.
Here, even the lowly dandelion is special and beautiful.		 Life springs eternal with each new bud.
Life springs eternal with each new bud.
Garden mechanics will love it here.
Garden mechanics will love it here.		 ---
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What more can (or need) be said? Come and see for yourself.
What more can (or need) be said? Come and see for yourself.

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