NPG Nov. 13, 2014

NOTE: about two years ago from posting, November 2016

NPG Nov. 13, 2014 40 degrees, sunny, no wind.

The big boss (GL) viewed on the way in, then the next boss, Todd Forest. Saverio, the concierge,friendly and helpful, even to the extent of suggesting waiting and keeping warm in the concierge booth. Mr. Jones, security guard, always makes the day better, and Travolta, also security guard, showed me how to zoom in or out on my new iPad mini.

On the path to the entrance a visitor from Ireland, more talkative than I, her first time at NYBG, doing genealogical research in NY on a family member who fought with George Washington. A runner racing through the NPG.

Took lots of photos, or thought I did, and then discovered 13 duplicate shots of the hydrangea leaves. Eleven o'clock now, anyone coming? A couple from Uruguay, but preferred to walk themselves.  About to give up, when a Bronx couple and a Queens mother and daughter showed up, later joined by a fellow docent, so a tour was in order. 

Blooms to be found: Poppy Mallow, one weak sample, Black-eyed Susans and Rudbeckia triloba, Viola walteri (surprise, by the metal ramp), Evening Primrose in the meadow, Asters probably ‘Raydon’s Favorite,’ Wild Bleeding Heart, and the Beardtongue nestled near the steps to the Education Building, apparently protected in such a way to be blooming months after the other Penstemons have gone.  Beardtongue story: Five stamens, one fuzzy, thus the name Beardtongue. Though many species, each one attracts a single insect specie and they are not hybridized. Pitcher Plants still outstanding, and how they get nutrition I explained to about eight 4 year olds walking through without Green staff member.  

Beardtongue

Mr. Jones, security guard

Side Oats Bouteloua curtipendula

leaves of Oakleaf Hydrangea