Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts

Cardinal Flower with Guest

Sunday, September 10, 2023

The Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a brilliant scarlet-colored native wildflower that grows in marshes, stream banks and low woods.

Its extremely showy blossoms can be recognized at considerable distance. 

Few native plants have flowers of such intense color as this common herbaceous perennial. 

The Cardinal flower is a member of the Bluebell Family.
It was named after the Flemish botanist, Matthias de L'Obel (1538-1616).

It was introduced to Europe in the mid-1620s, where the name cardinal flower was in use by 1629 likely due to the similarity of the flower's color to the vesture of Roman Catholic Cardinals. 

Hummingbirds love it.

Plants by Diane Cerretti, photos by Doug Cerretti.


Read more...

Loads of Large Luscious Leaping Leopard Lilies

Thursday, August 24, 2023


Loads of Large Luscious Leaping Leopard Lilies. 


No, just Leopard Lilies (Lilium pardalinum).


I find these flowers beautiful and fascinating. If I were a science fiction artist, I don’t think I could design a better-looking alien spacecraft. 

Flowers by Diane Cerretti; story and photos by Doug Cerretti.


Read more...

Dahlia Show continues Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Sky Nursery

Sunday, August 13, 2023

The largest dahlia show on the continent at Sky Nursery Sunday

The largest dahlia show on the continent continues Sunday, 10am to 4pm at Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

The combined show from the Puget Sound Dahlia Association and the Seattle Dahlia Society regularly attracts dahlia enthusiasts from across the country and from abroad. 

Entries fill one of Sky's greenhouses. Admission is free.

Dahlias come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and all are on display in Shoreline on Sunday.

All photos by Steven H. Robinson


Read more...

2023 Dahlia Show August 12-13, 2023 at Sky Nursery

Sunday, July 23, 2023

It's a perfect summer for dahlias this year. Plenty of sun since mid-June, so if gardeners paid attention to regular watering, the flowers should be in bloom by now.

Note: Our annual dahlia show (the continent's largest!) takes place earlier than in the past. That change was made because the American Dahlia Society's National Show takes place in Portland, OR at our usual show weekend. 

The show will take place over two days at Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
  • Saturday August 12, 2023 - 9am to 6pm
  • Sunday, August 13, 2023 - 9am to 4pm 

The dahlia exhibition of the Puget Sound Dahlia Association and the Seattle Dahlia Society regularly attracts many dahlia enthusiasts from across the country and from abroad. 

The Sky Nursery provides a perfect display space with much natural light for our favorite flower, and the nursery now has created a lovely backdrop for selfies or family photos. 

There is no charge for show visitors.

For more information contact Martin Kral, 206-546-9692


Read more...

What is this flower?

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Photo by Mike Remarcke
Mike Remarcke has no idea what this gorgeous flower is - and neither do I. Intrepid readers, it's up to you. 

--Diane Hettrick


Read more...

Hawthorne blossoms that look like snow

Monday, May 22, 2023

Photo by Gordon Snyder

So many blossoms that it looks like snow, but look closely, it's finally Springtime for this Hawthorn.
Along the walking path at Horizon View Park.

--Gordon Snyder





Read more...

Rhododendron Stroll at Dunn Gardens on Sunday, May 21, 2023 - 12-3pm

Friday, May 19, 2023

Rhododendron Stroll - Sunday, May 21st 12-3pm

The rhodies are blooming! The rhodies are blooming! 

Join us for a fun afternoon of blooming rhododendrons and lots of spring color. 

We have a fun afternoon planned:
  • Lathe and spoon demonstrations by Seattle Woodturners
  • Gallery of creations by the Woodturners and several items for sale
  • Mini-tours by our fabulous volunteer docents
  • Acoustic music by Third Harbour in Ed’s Cottage
  • Plant sale including ornamental spring containers designed by our horticulture staff
  • Cards and artwork for sale by Robin Maynard-Dobbs
  • Wine available from Tinte Cellars
To make things easy, a shuttle will be provided for your convenience. Details to come!"

Cost: 
  • Members-$6
  • Not-Yet-Members- $12
Location: Dunn Gardens 13533 Northshire Rd NW Seattle, WA 98177


Read more...

All you need is a birdbath

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Photo by Jo Simmons

Our birdbath and little fountain attract the birds choir bathing. Here is a female cowgirl with a Fantastica rhododendron as backdrop. 

--Jo Simmons



Read more...

Gloria's Flowers: Curvy petals drew my eye (and my lens)

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Sorry, I'm not good at i.d.'ing flowers, just birds! Shot this in a community garden last week.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



Read more...

Erythronium Stroll and Quilting Display at Dunn Gardens Sunday April 23, 2023

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Sashiko quilting from Artistry of
Sisterhood at Dunn Gardens Sunday
Erythronium Stroll and Quilting Display 
at Dunn Gardens
Sunday, April 23, 2023 
from noon - 3pm
Cost: Members-$5 
Not-Yet-Members-$10

Erythroniums, the fairy flower of the garden, will be on full display in all their delicate beauty. Meander the gardens on your own or with a docent to view these colorful blooms.

Joining us at the Stroll will be the fabulous group, Artistry of Sisterhood, exhibiting their Sashiko Quilting creations. 

Sashiko is a very old hand sewing technique originating in Japan meaning "little stabs". It was originally reinforcement stitching for worn clothing referred to as Boro during the Edo Period (1603-1867). 

From its practical beginnings, Boro evolved into beautiful surface embellishment for fabrics referred to as Sashiko. Contemporary Sashiko has evolved into a decorative art form used to embellish quilts, garments and accessories. 

Artistry of Sisterhood incorporates Sashiko into their African-American quilts, creating a unique and colorful art form that you will not want to miss. This event will have timed entry options and you will receive a sign up link once you have purchased your tickets.

Website: https://dunngardens.org/event/erythronium-stroll/

Dunn Gardens is located in NW Seattle at 13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle, WA 98177


Read more...

Destinations: Tulips are in bloom

Sunday, April 16, 2023

 
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Steve Robinson says that Tulip Town had 50% of fields in bloom. RoozenGaarde fields are almost in full bloom.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson




Read more...

Gloria's Flowers: One perfect blossom

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler
 
Don't know what it's called, but I like the look!

--Gloria Z. Nagler



Read more...

The weather may not be delightful but the daffodils are still blooming

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

 
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The daffodils are blooming on schedule in the Skagit Valley, as you can see by this panoramic photo by Wayne Pridemore.

They never seem to care when the weather changes to rain, ice, and hail. However, there are reports of snow, giant hailstones, and ice north of us, so you might want to delay your visit until the weather changes again.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Flower of the Day: Camelia

Sunday, April 2, 2023

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler
And here is your flower of the day - a delicate pink camellia 






Read more...

Spring arrives in the Northwest

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

 
Crocus photo by Lee Lageschulte

Spring flowers by the Salish Sea and rumors of a hailstorm by Lake Washington. Our weather is not boring.


Read more...

Looks like spring on the sunny side of the street

Friday, March 17, 2023

Photos by Lee Lageschulte

It looks like spring in the sunny parts of Shoreline. Lee Lageschulte is finding color everywhere.



Read more...

Destinations: Tulip Valley Farms debuts new field, garden, and unique experiences in Skagit Valley

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Photo by Andrew Miller
Tulip Valley Farms debuts this spring, offering visitors two new fields and a myriad of ways to experience the region’s tulip bloom. 

Located in the heart of Skagit Valley, Tulip Valley Farms is a collective of new farms and gardens, including an expansive 30-acre farm with views of Mount Baker and beautiful surrounding farmland. 

It features 12 acres of tulips among hazelnut trees and between grass rows for a spacious park-like feel. 

Tulip Valley Farms is also introducing Tulip Valley Gardens, a 9-acre farm with 2 acres of tulips right off of I-5 designed to provide a “taste” of the tulips, intimate events, and programs, minus the traffic.

Tulip Valley Farm and Tulip Valley Gardens will open April 1, 2023 bloom-pending, for the entire month giving locals and visitors many ways to enjoy the magic of mother nature and our rural, agricultural communities. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.tulipvalley.com

“I wanted to create a space where individuality and community come together to create a living masterpiece of tulip bloom and creative abundance,” said Andrew Miller, CEO of Tulip Valley Farms. 
“We developed new and innovative ways to attract more people to the region to celebrate this time of year with us, supporting our community of businesses and growers, and making it accessible to people who wouldn’t come because of traffic, perceived fit, or having enough reasons to make the trip. I had a vision for a ‘Magic Springdom,’ and that’s what we created.”

Photo by Andrew Miller

Book Tulip Valley Farm experiences: 
  • Join our 1st Ever Night Bloom: The tulips never sleep! From 8-10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, visitors can enmesh with the tulips for an illuminated adventure
  • U-Pick: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm every day. Purchase tickets to pick your tulips, including entry plus 10 stems
  • Photo Class with Melissa Anne: 8am on April 9 and 23. Enjoy a class on perspective and vision while learning about backdrops for select photo spots and murals
  • Meet and Photo Op with “Mother Earth:” Enjoy interacting and snapping photos with a staff member dressed to represent mother earth sitting on a custom-made throne. When she’s not there, take over the throne yourself!
  • Dine with our Local/Regional Food Vendors: Enjoy tasty bites from several favorite food trucks

Book Tulip Valley Gardens experiences: 
  • Sip at Tea Time in the Tulips: Tickets available hourly, 9am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday
  • Enjoy Yoga with Melissa Anne: Photographer and yoga instructor, Melissa Anne, will host you and your friends at 4pm on April 7, 8 and 9. The class is $45 and includes entry to the field
  • Snag a Mini Photo Session: Available Fridays and Saturdays, photo sessions take 20-30 minutes and include 10 professionally edited digital prints
  • Participate in a Magical Boutique Glow-up: Get a glam makeover at the Gardens with a professional hair and makeup artist. Then head out to the field to take photos of your own or book a mini session with the photographer. Available Fridays and Saturdays
  • Create during our Painting Classes: Join local artist Chloe Lively for a two-hour session on April 15 and April 22
  • U-Pick: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm every day. Purchase tickets to pick your tulips, including entry plus 10 stems

Ethan's Smile Mix - Photo by Andrew Miller.jpeg

This season, a special Ethan’s Smile tulip bulb mix will also be available for purchase and for viewing to honor Ethan Chapin, the friend and former team member who was tragically taken from us last November while attending the University of Idaho. 

Ethan was a beloved citizen of Conway and Mount Vernon, who worked along with his friends, in the fields that make Skagit Valley so spectacular. All proceeds will go to Ethan’s family and to building community gardens in memoriam.

Tickets available NOW



Read more...

Daffodils before snow

Monday, February 27, 2023

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Flowers bloom when they are ready, responding to light. They have no problem with snow and coexist happily.



Read more...

Scenes from the NW Flower and Garden Show

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The NW Flower and Garden Show continues through Sunday at the Seattle Convention Center (see previous article)

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Displays feature outdoor settings with patios, pathways, and sometime water features - all with a variety of beautiful flowers.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The shows features a full program of seminars, which attract hundreds of gardeners. The biggest features at the festival this year are the speakers with presentations on Container Wars, the Neon Greenhouse, and Blooms and Bubbles.

Attendees will learn how to bring those urban garden dreams to life at Container Wars; returning with fast-paced fun and ideas for beautiful container gardens. Beloved activities like Blooms and Bubbles’ champagne-infused workshops will provide an unmatched experience for garden, home, DIY and design enthusiasts. 

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Additionally, the festival will feature a never-before-seen, spectacular art and plant installation fit for a modern museum. The Neon Greenhouse is primed for snapping the perfect photo welcoming Spring! 

Stars of the gardening world will mingle with visitors, answer questions, share exclusive tips and act as judges. Notable speakers include:
  • Arit Anderson, presenter and co-founder of BBC ‘Gardeners World’
  • Meg Mcandrews Cowen, author of Plant Grow Harvest Repeat and founder ofThe Modern Garden Guild will share how to take your edible garden to the next level, practical planting tips to extend your garden beyond what you thought possible and more
  • Marianne Willburn, award-winning blogger of GardenRant.com and author of Tropical Plants, How to Love Them and more, will share actionable tips and tricks for breaking down the garden creation process to make it more manageable. 
Tickets here


 

Read more...

Flower Power returns to Seattle

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Photo courtesy NW Flower and Garden Show
By Bruce Bennett

From February 15 through 19, 2023 the Seattle Metro Area will see visitors swarming around the Seattle Convention Center like bees around spring flowers. 

This is because the second largest flower and garden show in the country (after the venerable 200-year-old Philadelphia Flower Show), the 2023 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival, will be taking place. 

Themed ‘Spring Vibes Only,’ the event boasts more than twenty-five landscape displays spread across six acres (!) of floor space. 

An expanded ‘City Living’ display on the Convention Center’s Skybridge area provides inspiration to plant lovers who may not have much outdoor space with which to work.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Visitors to the festival can learn how to bring those urban garden dreams to life at ‘Container Wars.’ 

And, let’s not forget the mix of design competitions, exhibits, book-signings and the festival’s largest-ever plant market and garden-related vendors who will provide visitors with all things botanical in one, specially curated venue with over 50 nurseries and specialty plant vendors from Washington, Oregon and California. 

There’s a reason this festival has been one of the largest, most-attended shows in the country for the past 30+ years. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, potting petunias on your apartment balcony, just starting to dig in the dirt or happen to enjoy DIY projects, there’s something for everyone here.

Seminars are well-attended
Photo courtesy NW Flower and Garden Show
During each of the five days of the event, Sunset Magazine sponsors an assortment of changing workshops, lectures, and demonstrations. 

I doubt visitors will ever find this many educational programs at any home and garden show in the country. 

Garden Art
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

With some one hundred time slots available across all five days, nationally and internationally known professors, authors and gardening experts are sharing their advice on everything from ‘Great Structural Plants for all Landscapes,’ to ‘Go Bold: Tropical Accents for Inspiring Containers’ and ‘100% Success with Your New Vegetable Garden.’ 

Visit the show’s webpage (gardenshow.com) for a full list and times of seminars and other programs. 

During the show’s peak hours, you can expect the four lecture halls to be close to capacity.

While the varied lectures will provide images, ideas and possibilities for the gardens of the festival visitors, there will also be plenty of gardening organizations in attendance who can provide more specific answers concerning plants, designs or product specialties. 

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
For all-round excellent information and referrals, remember to stop by one of the two Master Gardener Booths. 

As this program is celebrating its fiftieth-year anniversary this year, visitors can look forward to seeing a new Washington State Master Gardeners Booth. 

This is in addition to the Master Gardeners of King County Booth which has been a fixture at the festival for many years. 

The King County program is the original Master Gardener Program and is the forerunner and model of all such programs across the country! 

County residents have in-person access to some forty clinics across our part of the state and year-round email access to access the clinic located at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture. Each county in Washington has its own program and answer clinics in multiple locations.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
I think a good part of this show’s popularity is based on people’s anticipation for the return of Spring. 

We go through a pretty dreary winter where we are inside much of the time and, when we finally feel like spring is arriving in the neighborhood, we just want to get out and start finding new ideas (and plants) for our dismal, dormant landscapes and containers. 

One particular aspect of the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival I do appreciate is that the displays are not just bunches of forced flowers in bloom and on display. 

The lecturers, vendors and attendees we meet are passionate about, not only gardening but, how to develop the gardens and the reasons behind successful, thriving planting beds. 

This show gives people new ideas and the education of how to develop and implement them.

Single-day tickets for the festival will cost $26. If visitors are short on time, half-day tickets are available for $13. and are good for admission after 3:00pm Wednesday - Saturday and after 2:00pm on Sunday.


Multi-day and children tickets are also available. Speaking from expensive experience, DO consider taking some form of mass transit traveling to the Convention Center. Otherwise, expect your daily parking fee to be north of $20. Check the mass transit web pages as well as the festival’s webpage for more information.

The final suggestion I can offer is, if you have the slightest proclivity towards hay fever or pollen issues, take your favorite antihistamine before you attend this annual Rite of Spring for the Pacific Northwest. Your foresight will definitely benefit you for a few days after your attendance at this flower-rich event.

Bruce Bennett, Master Gardener
Contributing columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Master Gardener, lecturer and garden designer. 

If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP