Minter Garden, Chilliwack BC.

Water Wheel; Minter Gardens, Chilliwack BC 

Happy Tuesday to everyone, for my fellow Canadians I hope you had a great long weekend. It was great to have an extra day for family and friends, and to use it as needed. In Calgary we had great weather, so we got a little gardening done; some flowers, lettus, peas and tomatoes planted.

This image was taken last summer at the Minter Garden, Chilliwack BC, one of my favourite gardens, I believe it is about 32 acres and I would recommend a sunday visit.

 

Related articles

• Check out the my new garden web page (blogs.vancouversun.com)
• Spring sun, showers put bloom on gardening for city’s green thumbs (calgaryherald.com)

 

Ostrich Fern, unfolding in the spring sunshine.

Walking up this morning, I smile

Twenty-four brand new hours before me

I vow to live fully every moment,

to see the beauty that is everywhere. 

We had a great visit to Vancouver, it was an opportunity to visit with family and friends.  To visit the sites, some old favourites like the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden, and some new sites like the Capilano suspension bridge. This photo was taken while we visited the UBC botanical garden, the sunshine on the delicate unfolding fonds was beautiful.  One special feature of the gardens is the Canopy walkway, which is worth the price of admission.  A 308 meter aerial trail system suspended about 50 feet in the trees offers a view of the upper part of the forest and forest floor from a unique perspective.  The Catwalk suspended as it is, feels like walking on a trampoline and with more that one person on each section walking with the or against the bounce is great exercise. Great fun and worth every minute.

I hope you have a great day, and beauty unfolds before you. 

spring pussy willows, in the spring

warm setting sun,

fuzzy pussy willows,

spring is in the air.

Monday I was visiting Cochrane Ranch, near Cochrane Alberta, the willow trees were past the bud stage, but seemed to have a halo around them when seen in front of the setting sun. It is friday and I am looking forward to a long weekend.

jolly jump ups!

The jolly jump ups have not yet made themselves known in my garden this year – it won’t be long now. But it seems to have been a busy week with little time to get out and photograph the world around me, and I am anxious to get out into the garden, so I thought I would dig, (pun intended) through some of my old image files and find a spring like picture to brighten the day. It is just +1 degrees here in Calgary, but things are looking good for a sunny warm weekend.  Yes I might just get some pots planted.

I hope you have a bright and sunny Thursday.

Spring Tulips,

More spring tulips from the Innsifail Gowers both at the Calgary Farmer’s Market.  A great place to support local producers.

I had set up a high key light table to photograph the flowers, I like the soft delicate colours of the flowers, they are a lovely way to brighten up the dining room table!

Happy Monday to you.

spring tulips,

spring officially arrived mar 20 and last week across the country we had warmer than average temperatures, I was sure that spring had arrived. then yesterday Calgary had a storm warning and 10 cm of snow! that I am reminded is spring in Calgary.  the flowers and spring bulbs are not yet out of the ground, I was desperate and went to the garden center and purchased a pot to brighten up the window sill I hope you enjoy spring and the tulips as much as I do.

Begonia’s are blooming

The begonia’s are blooming; I love all the delicate layers of  pedals and subtle color.  It seems that each day there are new flowers in the garden to enjoy.

Spring Apple Blossom

 

Yesterday the sun was shining, people were out enjoying the parks and pathways.  I was out enjoying the flowers. In the backyard we have an apple tree, still small, only a couple of years old. It is covered with small white flowers, that are just starting to open, and it is beautiful.  We have never had fruit off the tree, frost has always killed off the buds, this year is a late bloom and we are hopeful. 

 That is spring, lots of beautiful flowers, and hope for the coming crop! What did you enjoy yesterday?

Tulips

While it has been a busy week, I did stop to enjoy the spring tulips in my front yard.

I didn’t want to pick the flowers, I wanted them to last as long as possible in the front garden.  So everyday I can go out the front door, I can spend a few minutes and enjoy spring!  For this photo I was using my macro lens, down on my hands and knees, forehead almost on the ground.  I was holding my breath trying to steady the camera, yes I should have been using a tripod, but I was already late for work, no time to get it out of the closet. 

I am happy with the results, I hope you have a great day!

Spring Tulips, finally blooming!

The tulips in my front yard are finally blooming, and although they are a beautiful bright red I love the black and white image.  The shading and texture of the pedals  and pollen don’t get lost in the vibrant red. I hope your day is filled with shading and texture, and maybe even some vibrant red to get lost in for a bit!