Wisteria Vines

Cherry blossoms are all the rage in spring. But their season is over. The tulips were next - and they have all bit the dust. Next will be the azaleas. But somewhere in between all of these beautiful blooms are the wisteria vines. There were a couple of hot spots in our old Capitol Hill neighborhood. The vines are simply gorgeous and cover the fronts of homes and hang on fences and trellises. So last Friday we took a ride to Old Town Alexandria to see that we could find. We didn’t find anything on our morning walk along the historical side streets. So we got back in the car and drove around the neighborhood and came upon a few bunches at a prominent home. There was also a white vine hanging along the top of a garage. Then we found a stunning plant that covered the entire brick wall. It seemed as though we had almost missed the wisteria season because they didn’t look as full as usual. I got out of the car and got some close up photos - the petals look like floating lanterns. Then on the weekend we headed to DC near Wisconsin Avenue where we used to go for brunch a lot - near the National Cathedral. There were a couple of houses that showcased the vines, but nothing like I remember. It was a bit of a disappointment because the rest of the neighborhood didn’t have much to show. At least we gave it a good try - so for that I’m not disappointed.  

Wisteria in the Park

Wisteria vines are beautiful. So when we went to Alexandria last week for personal business we searched for the blooms and found a great example of them cascading on white columns and porch. This week we went in to DC and the place I remembered having bountiful vines was already past bloom unfortunately. The national cathedral neighborhood has many fine examples. So when we took our morning walk to the neighborhood park We were surprised to see the lovely vines hanging from the trees. Usually we see them in more conventional forms. They were not as vivid purple as fresh blossoms, but looked lovely just the same. On closer inspection the clusters of little flowers are so enchanting. Some flowers just look spectacular. I’m sure it’s because they only last for a short period of time. At least this year we were able to be out and about and enjoy the short lived spectacle. There is just something about spring. Somehow everything looks so much better this year. 

Washington Avenue in Old Town Alexandria

We have been there so many times. The George Washington Memorial Parkway becomes Washington Avenue in Old Town Alexandria. We have had many lunches and visits to the area since we moved to DC fifteen years ago. But this time we were going in to sign off on our updated will, power of attorney, and health care directives. It’s been over forty years since we made out our will and we live in a different state, so it was about time. So we parked in front of the rowhouse office and took a short walk before and after the appointment. It’s always a pleasant walk in Old Town. I love the architecture and the ambiance. After that we drove around the downtown and came across a beautiful wisteria vine on a lovely old home. And, while we were in the neighborhood we decided it was also time to pick up lunch/dinner at Vaso’s Kitchen. We haven’t been there for over a year and we were so happy we stopped by. So it was an eventful day - updated will, morning walk, drive through downtown, and a great restaurant visit. It even felt a bit more normal after this claustrophobic year. Let’s hope things continue to improve - for everyone’s sake. 

Beautiful Wisteria

Finally spring is here! We went from winter, to two days of spring, to full summer heat predicted by tomorrow. Yes, the cherry blossoms came and went. But the city is literally blooming right now. We took a ride to NW DC yesterday for a quick bite and a little shopping. Near the National Cathedral and Wisconsin Avenue neighborhood were not only azaleas in full bloom, but the wisteria was simply marvelous. We drove around a few blocks to see what was going on.  It was amazing the number of homes that showcased this beautiful draping vine. When we walked in our own neighborhood just last week, none of the wisteria was really blooming. But today we found another show stopper. The azaleas are also in full bloom and we have many times driven out to the arboretum to see them “in the wild.” We may not have a chance to get there this year but there are plenty around to see right in front of our noses. This is such a pretty time of year with temps in the 70’s, low humidity, and bright sunny skies. Better enjoy it before it ends. 

East Capitol Street Gardens Curb Appeal

It's nice being off on Monday. Sunday is so much better when you know you don't have to go to work the next day. For some reason, Tuesday just doesn't seem as bad. We went for lunch near McLean in the Falls...along these "back roads" a young deer calmly walked across the street. Two turkey buzzards were observing it and probably hoping it might become a meal. We returned home with the threat of rain this afternoon and for the rest of the week, so we figured we better get a walk in before it started. Rather than take the usual route around the Capitol, we headed down East Capitol Street starting at the Jefferson Building. I don't know what type of tree it was, but had never seen the blossoms growing on the trunk and thick branches. It caught the attention of several photographers in front of us. Continuing east, the gardens in front of some of the homes were spectacular, even on a cloudy day. One of the most becoming wisteria vines was climbing on not one, but two homes - all the way to the roof - in front of equally impressive floral arrangements out front. Several gardens were very sculptured with a single blooming white or pink flower serving as a canopy in the center. A few iris were popping out, but the beautiful flowering trees simply are the show stoppers this month. Of course, there are several really unkempt areas too. Luckily, they seem to be in the minority, or simply not noticed sitting next to all this splendor.