Airlie Gardens, Gnome Invasion

E and I with sister L went for a short, 4 day trip to the beach this weekend.  Sunday, we decided to do something other than hang out on the beach.

 E picked out a trip to Airlie Gardens, "More than a century of gardens by the sea." in Wilmington.

 It is also the home of the Airlie Live Oak, dating back to 1545 and the NC state champion live oak. 

 When we got there we were greeted by the Gnome Invasion, a collaborative art display featuring 15 over sized garden gnomes placed throughout the 67 acre garden.

 I decided it was too predictable to take a picture of the front of the gnomes.  So, I took pictures of "What the Gnome Sees."  Sometimes its a shady sandy patch.

 And sometimes it has a nice plant filled view. 

 There were real mushrooms,

 some very colorful,

 and some fake mushrooms. 

 E was in charge of the map and self guided tour.

 The sun was out and it was very hot, and I about melted when I got close to this mirror covered Gnome.

 E even let  me take a picture of her next to the nature gnome.

 This one had a view of the Bottle Chapel, featuring over 2,800 bottles, multiple sculptures and mosaics.

And in case you are wanting to see the front of all 15, here is the brochure.  More of the garden tomorrow, there is a lot to see in 67 acres.