Seahorse in Blossoms

What makes a great public garden 'great' is the scale and complexity of plantings, structures, paths and other garden elements in the landscape.  Winterthur has expansive naturalistic gardens that are considered the best in North America.  At the house are more structured formal gardens, designed by Marion Coffin.  The drifts of Azaleas and Rhododendrons frame the house in spring so that the formal and informal merge into a showcase display. At this time of year, the azaleas are reflected in the pond so that the seahorse is surrounded by pink waves.

Handkerchiefs Falling from Trees

Dividia is a medium-sized deciduous tree, considered in the tulip or dogwood family.  What distinguishes it are the flowers - two huge white draping petals larger than your hand. Lying on the ground, the common name of handkerchief tree is clear.  Also known as dove tree as the petals look like dove wings.   So this one is on the grounds of Winterthur, at the porcelain museum display.  We were lucky to see it in bloom while visiting 2 weeks ago.