The Capitol Grounds

The Capitol Building is located in parklike surroundings in the downtown area of Sacramento.  The Building itself sits on a four square block parcel and is surrounded by greenery.  To the rear (east) is Capitol Park, which is a six square block area adjoining the Capitol Grounds.  There is too much to show in one post so I’m splitting this into two posts.  This one, Capitol Grounds, will focus on the greenery.  The second one will focus on the various memorials located in the park.  If you ever visit Sacramento I hope you will take the time to stroll around these grounds.  Not only is it a very beautiful site but it is also quite calming.  Coming here you almost forget that you’re in the middle of a busy downtown.  It truly is an urban oasis.

Some of the greenery on the south side of the Capitol.

 

Hmm, I wonder what kind of tree this is?  Why of course, it’s an Erythrina Crysta-Galli.  Commonly known as the Cockspur Coral Tree.  Aren’t I smart?

Oops.  My secret is exposed.  The trees all have name tags on them so you can easily tell what they are.  Guess I don’t look so smart now, huh?  😦

This is an Incense Cedar tree.

Okay, here’s an easy one.  These are palm trees.  These trees are planted on the sides of the streets that surround the Capitol.  These trees are on the south side, along N Street.

Looks like a forest.

An orange tree?

Yes, oranges.  Hey, grab yourself a little vitamin C while you stroll the grounds.

Palm trees next to the building.  Reminds me of the Philippines.

Getting tired?  Kapoy?  No problem, just sit down on a bench, relax and soak up the greenery that surrounds you.

Palm trees along the north side, L Street.  Also some of the buildings across from the Capitol. 

Pretty flower bed.

Up close and personal.  Beautiful flower. 

This is a Weeping Lawson Cyprus.

The rear of the Capitol is where the majority of the parklike grounds are. 

European Olive.

What’s this?  Bamboo?  Yes it is.

Banana!  Hey, maybe I am back in Cebu.  Where’s Governor Gwen?  🙂

This has got to be the skinniest palm tree in the world.  Poor thing.

At the extreme rear of the park, facing 15th Street, is the rose garden.  The canopy is covering some refreshments and a trio of musicians that are there for a wedding ceremony.  Many people stage weddings here in the rose garden.  It’s a very popular place for loving couples. 

Unfortunately, the roses are not yet in bloom.  However, I shall return.  Me and Doug MacArthur.  🙂

Some state buildings across 15th Street from the Capitol.

From the rear of the park near 15th Street and looking back at the eastern side of the Capitol Building.

Benches are scattered around the park for the weary.  Often there will be someone playing music here.  Perhaps someone playing a lonely saxophone.  Sometimes someone will strum a guitar here.  But no one sings Matud Nila here.  😦

Hey, I could be the first to do that.  Who knows, maybe I’ll start a new tradition.   🙂

Squirrel at the base of a tree.  There are many squirrels here running around the grounds and up into the trees.

This young lady was trying to train her poodle the day I was there.  The poodle was more interested in the squirrels though. 

  

Presbyterian church across the street.  I hope they’re praying that our legislators will do something good for a change.  Amen.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little tour around the grounds of the State Capitol of California.  In the next post I will show you some of the memorials here in the park.