Exploring a Hidden Garden Near Los Angeles

A while back, a very close friend to the family was getting married and invited us to his outdoor wedding and reception.

I am ashamed to admit that I have no idea where this park is located, or what it is called because I was not paying attention due to being an absent minded passenger in the car. If you knew me in person, you'd know that I am very good at getting lost in my own thoughts!

Perhaps that is why Steem has been such a good thing for me. It forces me to get my thoughts together, at least somewhat! At any rate, we thought we'd have a look around after the ceremony and have a look at the plant life.

Wow! This place is pretty well taken care of. Just for a bit of perspective, the following photo was taken in the field where the wedding and reception were being held.

Of course this was a perfect large open area for the wedding party to do their thing.

We really had no idea that there was a garden at all. We just wandered over past a line of trees, and there it was. What a nice surprise! I have no idea who maintains it, but it is very nice. There was a lovely little brook flowing under a small bridge with some nicely landscaped stones and plants.

There were even some small fish in there that we didn't notice to start with. They seemed pretty happy there. Well, I don't know what a happy fish looks like, but I like to think they were happy.

I think that the duck approved. Clearly, he is quite pleased with his placement in the garden.

There's Amanda posing in front of a giant Agave plant. Tequila anyone? I really like it when people plant gardens that include plants that can actually natively grow in the area. Southern California is so dry, so cactuses and succulents do quite well here.

I am going to have to ask my friend, the groom, where this place is located. I think I'd like to go visit there again. There really wasn't anyone else around besides the wedding party, so I don't even know if it was a public park or not. It could have been someone's private property.

I don't know though. Wouldn't it be a shame if it were private? Why would anyone keep such a place to themselves.

You definitely have to watch yourself around here, though. I remember accidentally getting a nice gash in my leg from rubbing against this little beast. That wasn't very fun! Look but don't touch, of course.

There were so many blossoming flowers as well. I've never seen one like this before. Does anyone know what it's called?

Now there's one that you definitely don't want to run your leg across!

As I am writing this, I am reminded that it is so important for us to take the time out to spend some time in nature. If you think about it, we evolved as a species for millions of years living in the outdoors. It would stand to reason that there is a biological need to be connected with nature.

Even just looking at plants in photos, you can begin to to feel your muscles relaxing and mind calming. There is definitely something to that! This is more of a reminder for myself than anyone else. I spend way too much time locked up in the house in front of a computer.

It's time for me to get outside and smell the roses!