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