After several months closed
We've been going to the Botanic Gardens near where we live for years and have posted about it often. However, one section of our regular walking path had been closed off for quite some time as they were reimagining the layout of the area.
For quite a while now, there has been a large fence that with a fabric over it that you couldn't really see through without lifting up the little ripped flaps that were on it presumably to keep the wind from building up pressure on the material. What I could see when peeping through was a very large pile of dirt and tire tracks going around the hill.
We really couldn't tell what it was that they had in mind. @little-ricky was actually quite upset, because this was his favorite area before they decided to tear it all up. There used to be a little bridge with a stream running under it, and a turtle that hung out around the water. There were several other features that he liked as well, but to be fair it was all looking a bit dated and needed to be cleaned up.
Finally, we showed up for our walk and found that the project had been completed! Before it was sort of a maze of bushes with a small water feature in the middle. Now, there is a good sized pond with several comfortable sitting areas surrounding it. This is actually quite nice, because it can often be hard finding a spot out of the sun to relax for a bit.
Ricky was quite happy to see that there was still moving water, because he was concerned that the 'water was gone' as he puts it. I'm not sure what they did with the turtle, though. He is nowhere to be seen! Unless you count the new fake turtle in the image below.
The hard part is keeping my son off of the rocks. One of his favorite things to do pretty much everywhere we go is walk the perimeter of things. But only when the surface is uneven and somewhat challenging.
I didn't particularly want him walking on the rocks because a lot of the plants are new, and I didn't want him stepping on them. Not to mention all of the signs asking visitors to kindly stay on the path. He is getting a lot better at keeping his balance, so it turned out to be not much of an issue.
The new pond also had a nice little waterfall at the top. The water stays nice and clean as they continually recycle it through. They have also introduced a few fish which is a nice touch. I wonder what else they will do with this area? One of the nice things about the South Coast Botanic Garden is that it is very well maintained and constantly refreshed with new exhibits and plant life.
The bird houses they go with the Trolls exhibit are still dotted all around the path. We had a few good rainfall days which got the dirt kicked up and everything is still a bit nasty. But we really needed the rain. It also shows you how much dust and grime builds up on things when you see how the water gathers it all together.
In fact, here in LA your car often looks worse after it rains than before! That was a shock to see for me after growing up on the more eastern side of the country.
Ultimately, I really like the changes that were made pond area at the Botanic Gardens. With the new seating area and more elaborate water features it is a much nicer place to stop and have a chat or even eat some lunch. Before there was only one bench in this area and it was in direct sunlight.
I really did like the little bridge that was there before, but really anything that was lost from the old setup is well made up for with the new arrangement. Particularly the covered seating areas. I am looking forward to seeing what they do next!
