Happy First Day of Spring!

Hellebores and Daffodil

It’s been a long winter, and I, for one, am so glad it’s over with! The past month was unseasonably cold, here in the Pacific Northwest. We had several instances of snow, which is rare for us. Our traditional, early blooming season was way behind as a result. And now, just within the past few days, we experienced soaring temperatures that rivaled summer temperatures. In fact, we broke a high temperature record for this time of year! As a result, blooms were popping out all over the place. It’s so nice to see color, once again…the yellow Daffodils, pink Hellebores, Camellias, and blue Anemones are the mainstay. Rhododendrons are just getting started as well.

Miniature Daffodils

Anemones (Grecian Windflowers)

Camellias

Rhododendrons

I also challenged myself during this warm weather spell to walk across our Tacoma Narrows Bridges. I didn’t walk all the way across, just to the highest point midway. I could have walked the full length, but then I would have to walk back, and I just don’t have the strength to do that. Besides, it’s very windy across there! In the end, I was quite sore for a few days after that little jaunt. Look at how beautiful the snow covered Olympic Mountains look from this viewpoint!

All photos property of Peggy A Thompson

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Seasonal Amaryllis Blooms

In this post, I will highlight a flower bloom that is synonymous with Christmas, and that is the Amaryllis, an indoor, winter blooming bulb flower. It is a popular gift-giving plant as well during the seasonal holidays. Please enjoy these gorgeous blooms! Many thanks to the W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory for their outstanding holiday exhibit!

All photos property of Peggy A Thompson

 

 

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

 

 

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