We had some lovely bright days this week, before the rain set in. On one of those days, Cynthia and I went to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. It was full of happy people and magnificent Rhodies and azaleas.
The forest-y design of the garden lets you wander aimlessly, finding little side trails with wonderful views.
Kids were out, enjoying the day. This fellow wanted to “go talk to the goose.” The goose had no comment, apparently.
And, of course, the bees were busy. This purple azalea was humming with activity!
There is so much peace and beauty to be had in this wonderful place. I have renewed my membership and will head back soon.
As Spring has moved along, we have noticed the general color palette change. March was (mostly) the light pinks of cherry blossoms, coming onto the trees before any other color in the neighborhood.
But last night we went for a walk around the neighborhood and found a shift. Now, it seems to be purple season. This unusual rose was the first to catch my eye, and after that, I couldn’t stop seeing it.
The early big-headed lavender is up and full of bees and smelling like summer.
This Rhododendron is ten feet tall and sharing a lot of beauty.
I almost missed these deep purple petunias because they were so low to the ground!
And as we made our turn at the park, we saw this lovely iris standing above a bed of poppies.
Spring is really getting into gear here in Portland, even though it has been chilly and rainy. Friday was predicted to be our one sunny day between ten solid days of rain, so we headed out to see some pretty things.
Grandpa Nelson and I have walked the three miles to this lovely garden several times, but this time we needed to do grocery shopping on the way home, so Auntie Bridgett came along and we took the car.
The hellebores are still blooming all over the place, even though it is late spring and nicely warm in the sunshine. Their muted colors, which are so welcome in February, seem almost out of place in the bright sunshine.
The tulip magnolias are knocking themselves out, looking gorgeous against the bright blue sky.
Some spectacular late blooming daffodils were still around, bobbing in the breeze.
Grandpa Nelson is still recovering from jet lag and really enjoyed the peace and quiet of the garden.
Grape hyacinths and daffodils shone in the sunshine.
This was Bridgett’s first time at the garden, and she fell in love with it. Whenever we found a bench to relax on, she brought out her sketchbook and art bits and made adorable little sketches.
We loved the garden so much that we became members, so we can go for free anytime we want. It is just a short bike ride, and bit longer bus ride, or an hour walk from our house, the perfect distance for a picnic.
And the next time you are in town, we’ll go there.
The weather is getting nicer here, with just sweaters needed most days. I had to get out for a walk.
Everything is blooming! This chestnut tree is about fifteen feet tall, which means it is just a baby. The pink blossoms stand straight up, about six inches tall, and the bees love them.
Banks of rhododendrons planted in the 1920s line the sidewalks of the Sunnyside and Laurelhurst neighborhoods.
Since it is almost June, the roses that Portland is famous for have started blooming, as well. They look particularly nice when growing a bit wildly by a wonderful old house.
And, of course, it rained a bit while we were out. Not enough to be miserable, just enough to decorate the roses and remind us of what makes this part of the country so lush and green.
I got home, a bit damp, but happy to live on such a pretty planet.
It is cold again this morning, but clear and sunny. I have two things to report that I have seen while still in my pajamas.
First, we have our first Rhododendron ready to bloom. These are magnificent plants that grow as bushes in California, but become major trees up here in Oregon. Many in the parks are 30 or 40 feet tall, and become their own ecosystem of birds, bugs, and small animals.
Blooming Rhododendron!Ours has been kept trimmed to “only” come up to the second story landing. While all the other plants are kicking out seed pods and getting ready to retire for the winter, the Rhodies are budding up and looking good. Here it is. I will keep you posted on bloom progress.
Second, our cat, Mouse, has been out and about exploring since the weather got cooler. She had chased a squirrel up a telephone pole, met the dog next door, and watched people coming and going.
This morning she decided to explore the ledge right outside our window. It starts out being about 4 feet off the ground, and as it rounds the corner, the hill drops off, and it becomes about 20 feet off the ground.
Kitten out and aboutThe ledge is too narrow to turn around on. Mouse walked forward as far as she could, lost her nerve, and stopped. Sniffing and thinking fast, she discovered reverse gear as Bridgett squirmed and covered her eyes.
The reason this is a happy story is that kitten figured it out, came back around the corner, and sat on the ledge. She and Auntie Bridgett both caught their breath and all is well.
Oops! Can’t go that way…Now off to feed the kittens and hens at Auntie Katie’s!
Dear Liza 