Summer is fading fast! I mean, how the heck did we get to Labor Day weekend already? Wasn’t it just Memorial Day, the unofficial gateway to Summer and now we’re at the unofficial gateway to Fall? Not that Summer wasn’t around heat and humidity-wise … whew!

I visited Emily Frank Gardens way back on June 12th – it was my first visit for 2026 and clearly, the Gardens were not ready for prime-time yet and no, it wasn’t because the steadfast group of “Garden Angels” was slacking off. This band of volunteers work tirelessly from March through November to keep the Trenton Cultural Center looking beautiful for anyone who happens by. They also maintain MacArthur Park’s pollinator gardens just down the road. Lest you think the group only tends beautiful perennials and annuals, they also plant, maintain and harvest a huge produce garden in which all produce is trucked over to local senior centers for those who might not get out to fresh farm markets – “growing to give” is their motto.

I knew as soon as I got to the Gardens, I had visited the venue way too early and I should have known better. We had an over-long Winter, a cool and rainy Spring and in the days just before Memorial Day, our meteorologists were warning those who planted in-ground flowers and veggies that those tender plants needed to be covered.

But, there are always things to see at the Gardens anyway, even in mid-June.

The days are already getting shorter – and, as I write this post the end of July, we’ve already seen our last 9:00 p.m. sunset. Yes, slowly we’re creeping toward Winter – ugh.

Good day sunshine!

In the middle of the Gardens is a sundial and …

… it displays the message “Count Not But Sunny Hours”. I’ve enlarged the top of the sundial below so you can see it better.

I’ve been going to Emily Frank Gardens for about five or six years now and I always thought it was just yard art, something interesting to plunk in the middle of all the beautiful blooms.

But, on a whim, while writing this post, I decided to Google the image and see if this sundial was the “real deal” and, to my surprise, I learned a few facts about sundials in the process.

Well, it certainly was sunny that afternoon …

… and I was getting warmish with my sunhat, long-sleeved sun protection clothing and my heavy fanny pack strapped around my middle, but I stopped to pose for myself anyway. 🙂

I saw the birdbath and yes, that cool water sure looked inviting … if you were bird-sized of course. I had already had a two-hour walk at Lake Erie Metropark before coming here.

A quick stroll around the area, found none of those tireless Garden Angels at work – in fact, it appeared they had departed for the day, a watering can where it was last used and flats of flowers awaited planting.

I knew I would be back as Summer stretched on (and on) and the flower beds would eventually be filled in, but surprisingly, I never made it back until late August when their Sunflowers were at peak.

In the meantime, things still looked a little sparse.

I strolled over to the Moonglow Garden. This is one of the venues in the annual Moonglow Garden Walk every year. Many white flowers are planted in one area of the Gardens. I am sure it is spectacular to see them on a moonlit night. Last year, I spotlighted the Moonglow Garden, albeit in the daytime, with this post.

These flowers were early bloomers in the Moonglow Garden, the beautiful White Asiatic Lilies and …

… this Zinnia.

There are various painted rocks and signs about the Moonglow Garden Club – this is one of them.

Stunning white flowers may be appreciated, but who can resist taking a photograph of a perfect rose?

I strolled over to the area beyond these gardens to see what else was there to photograph.

I saw this birdhouse, but no bird activity that I could see as I peered in.

I saw no real bunnies, just this cement bunny tucked amidst the Hostas.

I must have lost my touch with squirrels as this black squirrel saw me and scrambled up the nearest tree.

I’m sure St. Francis is watching over the critters that frequent the Gardens.

Once the Sunflowers arrive, there will be Goldfinches flitting around, alongside the bees and butterflies.

I’ll bet St. Francis was watching over that little ol’ House Sparrow as I was photographing my fine feathered friend posing on the heart-shaped wreath.

If wishes were fishes ….

By now, you have been scrolling through this post, past 20+ photos, perhaps wondering about the title “Oh Boy, Koi!”

The pond at the Gardens was filled with Koi and Pond Lilies as well. There were no blooms on the Lilies yet, just a single bud for now – the delicate flowers would emerge later in the Summer.

The Bald Eagle and Heron know enough to leave the Koi alone, despite my featured image photo to the contrary.

The pond and its small waterfall are very peaceful.

Who’s up for a little whimsy?

I always pop over to the Children’s Garden near the big red barn. There I saw these two whimsical fellows. I’m always up for a little whimsy for my blog since “WHIMSY” is part of the title.

This is the entrance to the barn. All Summer there are daily crafts for children to do and the barn also serves as a place to host art sessions for adults, like painting and they have a craft show here as the holidays near.

Just a wild guess here – fingerpainting must have been on a recent agenda at the art barn. I agree – hands down, this is the best venue to visit for color, beauty and a peaceful interlude to your day!

A final touch of whimsy … I’ve enjoyed experimenting with ink-and-wash paintings this Summer. I did this pond with Koi during a real hot spell when staying inside just made more sense than walking in the heat and humidity. Unfortunately, there have been way too many of those days.

I’m looking forward to cooler days to help boost my steps and images on the camera card!

Terri does not have a Challenge today due to the Labor Day holiday, so I will link this post to Terri’s Flower Hour tomorrow. It’s not much of a hike at this venue as it’s a street corner filled with flowers and veggies, but I’ll link to Pepper’s One Step at a Time Challenge as well.