After a few more cold and wet days the sun returned today and we enjoyed an ever so brief walk at Duke Gardens this morning. This garden is interesting at every visit, but it was reserved and understated today. The terrace gardens are immaculately groomed and primed to burst into color soon, with all the beds full of the green leaves of emerging bulbs.
Bright red berries of Ilex verticillata (Winterberry holly) stood out at the Perennial Allée entrance.
Perennial Allée, Duke Gardens
Winterberry Holly, Perennial Allée, Duke Gardens
The allee is planted with cherry trees and sedge [Carex ‘Amazon Mist’ (New Zealand hair sedge), I think. Need to verify during next visit.]
Winterberry Holly, Perennial Allée, Duke Gardens
On our way out we stopped and watched a couple of mallards enjoying the water.
Mallard Ducks, Duke Gardens
Mallard Duck, Duke Gardens
Mallard Duck, Duke Gardens
pbmGarden 
Nice to be out in the sunshine. Christina
Certainly is. Hope you are enjoying some sunshine as well.
Such a lovely walk and I adore those red berries…the birds leave none in my garden after early winter.
Your garden is probably a favorite destination for birds. Winterberry has caught my eye in several gardens this year–maybe time to find for me to make a spot for it.
Today was nice wasn’t it?! So much better than Friday and Saturday.
I haven’t been to Duke Gardens in ages but I really want to go this year.
Yes it was great. In a few more weeks Duke Gardens should be full of tulips and daffodils.We always plan to go back the next week or so but get busy and forget for a while. Then we’ve missed the tulips, but something is always going on. Thanks for dropping by.
I love the textures of the grasses alongside the path. Very effective and inviting.
Makes me want to try sedge. It’s something I have not grown before.
Such captivating photos! Almost felt like I was there and ready for a roll in the lush winter grasses.
Thank you so much. That grass is lush and inviting isn’t it? Glad you stopped by.
So good to get out into the winter sunshine. This looks a good garden to visit at any time of year, thanks for the virtual tour.
Yes, it is a nice garden to visit anytime. Glad you enjoyed this little mini-tour. The sunshine was so welcome, but clouds are back today and it’s much colder.