Pink

I didn't realise how much pink I had in my garden, but a stroll around with the camera captured these shots.

Butchart Gardens

Many words can be used to describe this magnificent garden but picking just one really doesn't do tit justice. Of course a lovely sunny day added to the magic of an old quarry transformed over a 100 year period.

Beautiful vistas wherever you looked and flowers, flowers, flowers. Loved the fringed tulips.

Having Afternoon Tea in the conservatory was a highlight with the 100 year anniversary blend tea and dainty delicacies.

 

Chihuly #2

Wow, amazing and wonderful and I could go on! We happily spent the day transfixed by this glass artist and his vision. Bob and I took sooooo many photos so I'll share a selection with you. But if you ever get to Seattle don't miss this.

These vessels are inspired by Native Pacific  North West baskets and weaving with the blankets in the background covering the wall.

Inside the glass house

 

As the rain shower cleared we got the perfect photo opportunity.

The garden plantings complement the glass plants. It is just another stunning vision from this artist dealing with light, volume and colour. The human breath transforming a simple, ancient material into the extraordinary.

 

 

Hot and humid

We have had a long spell of hot and humid weather during late Summer and early Autumn. My garden loves the rain though!

 

More printing

Happy with how this is coming together. This was an end of the print session clean-up piece that has proved to have potential- well I think so. The commercial shaded fabric has been in the stash a loooong time! But looks good here to add the extra zing.

I can only be grateful for the weeds in my garden!
 

Azaleas

My 2larger azaleas have been beautiful this Spring with such a show of pink. I also have a smaller white one which flowered first.

It's just a pity they don't last a little longer. I tell my granddaughters that the petals make lovely skirts for the fairies.

Spring in Rome

Spring has burst out in spectacular fashion with glorious blooms everywhere in the middle of the Eternal City.

The scent of this Wisteria arbour was lovely and amazing to see the gnarled old trunks and what they have produced.

It was a very warm day even though we started out with jumpers this morning when we left our building.

 

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

This is a beautiful, lush garden which begins at the top of the valley and winds down to Onomea Bay. Begun in 1978 by Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse, the gardens are world class and support many varieties of tropical species.

Twin Rocks has a legend about two lovers who turned into 2 giant rocks to help safe guard their village.

L-R Phyllis, me and Kristina enjoy the view and balmy Hawaiian weather.

The waves here wash onto a black sand and volcanic rock beach.

Such a lovely place to visit. Of course I took many photos of the shapes and colours of the foliage and flowers.

 

Rainforest stream

A tropical rainforest stream is part of Phyllis's property, as well as the fabulous ocean views.