The King Street Gardens Park in Alexandria
I was driving near King Street Metro Station the other evening when I happened upon this small park. I almost crashed the car when I saw it, since I haven't seen anything this pretty since I moved here at the end of August.
The triangle shaped park, wedged in between several streets, is covered with a wisteria pergola made of iron and right now the wisteria are dripping over the pergola, in graduated shades of purple, pink, and white.
Fortunately, I needed to go to Whole Foods the next day, and I knew it was just a few blocks away, so after I parked, I left the store and walked to the park. While taking photos, I saw several carts filled with toddlers from a nearby daycare, who weren't bothered by the bees that hovered amongst the blossoms. Then I saw a couple of homeless men sleeping on the benches.
It's worth stopping by, especially if you're on foot, just to smell the blossoms and admire what has the be the prettiest sight this side of the Potomac.
Of course it's not nearly as lovely as Denham village, where ancient wisteria vines drape the stone cottages in a much more natural display, but it's the best thing I've seen in downtown Alexandria.
I also have a wisteria vine at my new house, but it's not nearly as pretty either. I'm hoping it grows a bit higher by next year and I can force it to drape itself on my deck railing. Until then, this park will have to do.
You can read more about the history of the park, known as King Street Gardens Park at their website:
"The park was planned to further public appreciation for “live-in” and outdoor art and to serve as a place for outdoor concerts and general public enjoyment."
It located just to the north of King Street Metro, so if you're getting on or off there, do take some time to visit while the wisteria is blooming.
White wisteria
From the "white end" of the park.
White changes over to pink
The iron pergola holding up the wisteria
A pink raceme
The pink wisteria is in the middle, and seems to be in full bloom right now.
The purple end, where the wisteria seems to be slightly past peak. Still lovely though.
