Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Bamboo & Koi in Selby Gardens

With a deep freeze covering most of the states and other parts of the world suffering in heat, I hope you can take a bit of respite in the garden rooms I've captured from the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. Today we're walking through bamboo stands and relaxing by the coolness of the koi pond.







Koi, or nishikigoi, are ornamental varieties of domesticated common carp fish. In Japanese the word koi also has the meaning of love or friendship so koi are a symbol of love and friendship.




More garden rooms are around the corner, so stay tuned. This garden trip has stimulated and inspired many thoughts about work in clay but I'm letting my ideas percolate for a while. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

16 comments:

  1. Hello Linda:
    This post really is in contrast to the very wintry conditions here of which the bitter cold is most prevalent. We can well believe that these gardens are inspirational to your work.

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  2. It's 6F as I write this....was 2 when I got up at 6:00 AM. Your reminders of summer are much appreciated. I love looking at koi. Our goldfish seem to bee cozy at the bottom of the pond. We are warm and cozy inside.

    I'm looking forward to more tropical gardens. Thanks!

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  3. A garden is like a nature art museum, very inspiring. Actually, you've given me an idea with those koi...

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  4. Ooh Linda, those are beautiful pictures. Did you get a new camera? Did you once mention that your good camera was lost/or was it stolen???

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  5. 20 degrees here in Seagrove! Beautiful photos. I love bamboo. We have a smaller variety growing in our yard. We have to keep it cut back because it wreaks havoc with septic systems. I just love those tall stands of bamboo... they seem mystical to me.

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  6. Really surprised to find that the koi in the pond look very active. Here, many koi look inactive; they stay still deep in ponds as if they are sleeping. Love the bamboos!

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  7. Very nice.
    Rick ~ Your latest follower.

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  8. What pretty photos! I love it. You asked why Miami? Well, why not??? Lol. Hope to see you both there in August. We bought the airline tickets and paid for the two hotels. When I get confirmation, I'll email you about the dates we will be available in Miami. Cheers and aloha!

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  9. Ahhh, thank you, Linda, for this beautiful break from our coldest day of the year. There's something about the ornamental koi that brings a smile beyond the promise of spring tulips. Looking forward to more pics from your trip.

    Hmm, maybe some pottery with fish?

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  10. What a beautiful place and nice with the fishes.

    Hugs

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  11. I can see garden elements transferring. But, Koi? Well, we'll see.

    About zero this morning. Kids waited for the bus in a car not much warmer, I fear.

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  12. Wonderful images.
    I love Koi. They are so big, beautiful and peaceful to watch in a large pond and will eat out of your hand.
    In this state, they are illegal to keep so we don't see them over here, sadly.

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  13. Love the garden rooms & also went through your pottery gallery.

    AH-mazing!

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  14. Koi seem like such companionable fish. I'd think they make nice pets and add a lot to a garden.

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  15. Hi Jane and Lance, thanks, oh I can't wait to dig into the clay again, but other duties are calling me right now.

    Hi Suzi, thanks, the gardens has a small bench by the waterfall and we sat there for a while. I wanted to feed the koi but there was no food, they would probably explode from those feeding them there.

    Hi Lori, thanks definitely art, I too was inspired by the koi and the watercolor signs in the garden.

    Hi Turquoisemoon, thanks, no same old Sony camera which is about ten years old, first digital camera, hope it keeps on ticking.

    Hi Michele, thanks, I had bamboo in my last garden and loved to hear the wind rustling through the leaves.

    Hi Sapphire, thanks, is it cold weather there, perhaps that is why the koi are inactive, the weather there was very warm and the koi were definitely very active.

    Hi Rick, thanks, and welcome, I'll stop by your blog too.

    Hi Gigi, thanks, oh I hope I get to come down to Miami when you are here, will try to arrange it.

    Hi Kittie, thanks, oh yes I love the colors of the koi and definitely some koi on pots.

    Hi Elna, thanks, oh the gardens were so wonderful and relaxing.

    Hi Joanne, thanks, oh this weather really has us guessing. the koi are so beautiful I must try to capture them some how.

    Hi Vicki, thanks, I am surprised it is illegal to keep them, I must stop by your site to see where you live.

    Hi Texas Playwright, thanks and welcome, so glad you enjoyed your visit here, I'll stop by your site too.

    Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, oh the koi seem so gentle and friendly just like a friend in the garden.

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  16. I was just thinking a pottery bowl with koi fish in the bottom would be cool....or decorated with bamboo...I bet you are thinking that too :)

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I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment