Colorful Holiday Poinsettias

It’s that time of year when colorful Poinsettias make their way into stores, everywhere! The indoor blooming, flowering plant is indigenous to Mexico, and is part of the family of plants commonly referred to as Spurge. Poinsettias come in an assortment of colors and combinations of colors, such as traditional red, pink, white, cream, variegated, and marbled. Enjoy these tropical, blooming plants during the Christmas holiday season!

Many times Paperwhites (Paperwhite narcissus) are added to a display of Poinsettias as well. They are small, winter blooming flowers with a strong fragrance, and their snow white blooms add a nice contrast to traditional, red Poinsettias.

Paperwhites and Red Poinsettias

 

All images property of Peggy A Thompson

 

 

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Christmas Decorations in Port Gamble

This weekend I drove to Port Gamble, a tiny, tourist town overlooking the the Hood Canal, in Washington State. I like to visit the old General Store during the holiday season to see the elaborate Christmas decorations inside. It is such eye candy! The photos I took do not do justice to their beauty. I highly recommend making a trip here. Lot’s of unique gifts and a small cafe in the back of the store that offers ice cream, sandwiches, soups, and the best tasting chocolate brownies I’ve ever had! And there are several other unique boutiques along the main street as well.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Marine Seashore Museum upstairs. It’s pretty fantastic!

All images property of Peggy A Thompson

Autumn Beauty in a Japanese Garden

Some of the most colorful spots to visit during the autumn season is a Japanese garden. There is usually one located in major city parks, often hidden in a secluded area, nestled within the confines of a quiet, natural area. And, sometimes, they are found in areas that you would never think you would find them. Such is the Japanese garden hidden away in the beautiful Bloedel Reserve, located on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Here you can walk a few miles on groomed trails within a quiet, old-growth forest, and then suddenly come upon a clearing that contains an eloquent Japanese garden. Fortunately for me, I timed my visit to the garden at just the right time, when the leaves were at their prime colors. Here are a few photos of the garden that I hope you will enjoy.

Bloedel Reserve is privately owned, and there is a gate entrance fee. Please visit site link listed above for more info.

All images property of Peggy A Thompson

Forest Zen

Images property of Peggy A Thompson

More Autumn Impressions

More autumn impressions from local gardens around the area, including Bloedel Reserve. This is just a small portion of photos I have been snapping over the past few days, many times in between the rain drops. Photographing conditions have not been the best, and trying to get a good exposure was next to impossible, at times, with grey skies scattering the light. I found the best conditions inside the forests, away from the open sky areas.

All images property of Peggy A Thompson