Ever read the book or seen the movie “Misty of Chincoteague“?  They’re about wild ponies living on barrier islands off Virginia and Maryland, the destination of my latest road trip. (About 3 hours from the DC area, and an hour south on the Delmarva Peninsula from my usual beach haunt – Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.) 

Naturally I packed my bicycle. From the town of  Chincoteague I rode to the ocean and down the nature trails of the Assateague National Seashore. Back on Chincoteague, I rode around the town to see the residential gardens, as I always do, and this time, my photos won’t show you the works of professional designers, or naturalistic designs produced by the homeowners themselves. No, these gardens adorn smaller, older homes – because this resort area isn’t a mecca for the wealthy.  Here ya go.

First, my favorite, and the fanciest home and garden I saw in all my touring. 

Another favorite.

This is the only front garden I saw with a somewhat naturalistic alternative to lawn.Here I appreciate the exuberant cannas and even the vincas, but I love the charming old farmhouse-style home. This is so fun! Sure, it’s not my personal style but this homeowner enjoys their garden! The Chincoteague Bay is just across the street – next photo.
Across the street are more critters and doodads at the entrance to the homeowner’s private dock with the cute little house at the end of it.  Notice the Monarch Waystation sign in the lower left? Bet that surprised you!

I lve the repetition of pink, the black-eyed Susans, the ornamental bicycle and the “hope”sign.More cannas and beachy touches on this house, also across the street from the bay.

Imagine having these visitors in your yard every morning.

Pony-Sightings

Now for the ponies, honored with this statue of “Misty of Chincoteague.”

To grossly summarize the pony story,  there are competing theories of how they got here, but currently there are two herds of about 150 and 80, one herd living on the Assateague National Seashore under National Park Service management, and the other living on the Virginia side of the island and managed by the local fire department.  As part of managing the herd size for maximum health, dozens of foals are rounded up and auctioned off every July –  read all about it here.  Proceeds of the auction go to the local fire department and to veterinarian care for the ponies.

This bay-worthy vessel was my transport to spotting ponies – if we were lucky.  (No guarantee.)  However, the captain IS guaranteed to delight passengers with stories of life on the island, Saltwater Cowboys, and other local lore.

Success! We found a couple of small herds grazing on the marsh grasses.

Watching sunsets over the bay is a favorite activity. Seen here from just outside my hotel.

Finally, as a big fan of murals, this wonderful, very local one on Main Street made me stop to take it all in.