Azalea Path

This last day (oops I should have said last post) of 2010 I wanted to show you a place I had been this past spring. I wanted to save it for a time when the snow was blowing and we had our minds set on warmer weather. This is the time with the snow blowing and our wishes turn to spring.

A friend of mine and I set out to find the Azalea Path that we had heard a lot about. It is a Private Garden nestled in the back woods of South West Indiana not far from where I live.  Driving through the winding road that leads to this little piece of paradise we were surprised to see this sign indicating we had arrived at the gardens. We didn't know what to expect.

 We turned down the drive that takes you into the heart of the garden where you park. There was no indication of which path to take. This garden encompasses 50 acres more or less.  It is difficult for this person that lives on a 1/4 acre to wrap my mind around this much acerage.

However once you start walking the paths you just become engrossed in the beauty of nature.

The bit of tweaking of azaleas planted about everywhere you look enhances what Nature has given. 

You can certainly tell that the human hand has made its offerings too.  

 Of course every large garden must have a waterfall. This garden doesn't disappoint.

There are several bridges to traverse.

Large and small ponds to explore. 

There is even a childrens area. The play house and small furniture is for their Grands. 

Big kids are welcome too. 

If your tastes go more toward modern art there is a section that has several nice pieces. I wish I had written down what artists were displayed. I sure I did but I am sure I have lost that information. 

If the modern are is, well too modern, you will find more conventional art to peruse. 

There are benches everywhere. You can stop and relax, take in some of the majesty of the woods. 

Some of the benches are even incorporated into the art.

In one large section, my personal favorite, a tornado came through and ripped out a huge hunk of the tops of the trees. They hired a chain saw sculptor to come in and do their magic. 

These were only a small portion of the carvings. This angel seems to watch over this area now. Obviously one of my favorite areas of the garden. 

Oh, did I forget to mention the Azaleas?? 

Since we were told we had missed the grand display due to the hot weather we had in early spring we will just have to go back. 

If you get a wild hair to join me on a visit to the Azalea Path I would be delighted to be your guide.

They also have a page on Facebook. You can go there and see the garden shrouded in snow. It is equally as beautiful then.