Riverbanks Botanical Gardens

Here are photos from recent visits to the Riverbank Botanical Gardens in West Columbia, SC. I take pictures every time we are here since there is always something that commands my attention.

I love the use of pinks this year. Very cheerful!

One of my many favorite flowers is this gloriosa lily.

This golden bamboo is actually in the zoo side of the park. It is the only place I have ever seen a color bamboo other than green.

A huge, pretty leaf. I like to add my hand in photo to show size.

Another pretty one.

The bog garden.

Here it is a couple weeks later. Ever changing!

Carnivorous plants that make me think of cobras.

This plant below is just cool and strange. It is hanging in a pot but it may be an air plant due to its unique appearance.

These pretty leaves appear to sit on a mismatched stick, but that is indeed their stem holding it up.

A baby Carolina Anole enjoying the gloriosa lilies. He is camouflaged in there!

A bee heading for a sunflower.

These yellow flowers are just perfection.

A gigantic black elephant ear.

Big, beautiful rose of sharons are throughout the gardens. So many sizes, colors and patterns!
 

I hope you enjoyed our garden strolls too!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Street Art

 Its been a while since I posted some random street art.

At first glance, this park in Cayce, South Carolina seems quirky with its colorful fire hydrants. 

A closer look lets the visitor know that it is dedicated to the canines working for the city.

A couple of charming hand painted picnic tables reside here.

A beautiful statue of the River Maiden is here too. She represents the forming of the Congaree River. The right arm is the Saluda River and the left arm is the Broad River. These rivers come together to form the Congaree. This is dedicated to the Native Americans of the area which date back 12,000 years.

Another sculpture in this park is a shining beauty.

Moving on to some random artwork we saw in Savannah, Georgia.

I believe this is a light fixture below but it shows like a work of art.

This little guy and his turtles are at a splash pad for kids.

In the city of Columbia we see many painted utility covers.

Cities need to have more colorfully painted walls!

A beautiful monument to a child who passed on is located on the riverwalk in Cayce.

All 4 sides are carved with whimsical artwork. Perhaps from a favorite story book.
 

Sad yet perfect.

The patio of The Hideout in West Columbia is colorfully decorated.

This place has healthy open faced sandwiches, avocado toast and good coffee.

I hope you enjoyed these random bits of art!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

West Columbia

West Columbia, South Carolina is an area that has been undergoing revitalization in recent years. 

Alley on State by Christine Lufty

One of my favorite things here is this colorful alleyway of street art.

It highlights some of the area's points of interest.

We noticed the zoo and bridge Jim and I know so well from our walks.

The bikes and kayaks we often see on riverwalks.

The main strip has its downtown charm. They have a cute tagline of Real Faces, WeCo Places. WeCo is short for West Columbia.

Surrounding a public parking lot is interactive art.

Some of it acts as seating.

Saluda Rest Stop by Jarod Charzewski

Other pieces make music when you play with them.

Totum Head Drums by Lucas Sams, Justin Vorhis & Michael Krajewski

Glockenspiel by Jarod Charzewski

Since we are in the midst of a pandemic, I thought it wise to refrain from touching any of these.

State of Mind Butterfly by Christine Lufty

Tolerance by Jarod Charzewski

Rocket Queen by Andrew White

Full of Life by Iga Charles

This parking lot area also has a pavilion for the weekly farmer's market.

Public art and fresh flowers have such a way of bringing life to a community.

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val