We close out a week of photography today with work by previous contributor Jim Ross. All three images were taken at Brookside Gardens, a 54-acre botanical garden, and the first in Maryland. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, the gardens are part of the larger Wheaton Regional Park. Originally opened in 1969 on 25 acres with a conservatory (public greenhouse), it was later expanded to its current 54 acres. Jim talks more about all three in the photo captions.
The structure with its reflection in the pond below is a Japanese teahouse, possibly the most photographed spot in the gardens. The pond below is stocked with koi, and the teahouse is located on a small island within the pond. Behind the teahouse is a Japanese garden. I’ve photographed the teahouse on countless days, and this mottled sky with full pond reflection is among the most beautiful.
The pink flower is a light pink bearded iris, found in Brookside’s Perennial garden. Irises bloom for a short period, primarily in May or June, but command the full attention of passersby. I’ve photographed individual irises from multiple angles to fully appreciate them.
The red- and white-tipped flower is popularly called the False Bird of Paradise. It peaks in color around the winter holiday and by then looks like a holiday decoration. I found it blooming in the Brookside Conservatory.
Such clarity and beauty captured in these photos! The serenity of the Japanese Garden: a welcome antidote to the dark noise of the world, even just visiting vicariously through the photograph. Thank you for introducing me to these gardens – right here in my own Maryland back yard! I will visit this spring and, like the person captured on the bridge, remember that we humans hold a small place in nature.
Joyce, thanks for your beautiful comment. Be sure to come to Brookside for the tulips this Spring. Jim
All the photos are striking, but the iris is particularly exquisite.
Patricia, I love the irises. There aren’t many at Brookside but they are worth spending time with. They bloom in May. Here is an article I wrote about an iris garden just over the Maryland/West Virginia border in Berkeley Springs. My words, the garden’s photos. https://www.morganmessenger.com/2025/07/01/exline-iris-gardens-offering-beauty-renewal-for-more-than-half-a-century/
Stunning photos! I love the pictures taken by this photographer.
Thanks Karen
Breathtaking…thank you for sharing such artistry! The clarity captured in the reflection of the Japanese Teahouse on the adjacent pond is spectacular. Trish