Author: Peggy Hanson

I am a nature photographer and digital artist living and loving life in Sequim, WA.

Who Knew?!

Trillium in Bloom, Olympic National Park

Although not as colorful, but closer to home than the tulip fields, Sequimites like me love to find trilliums in the forest. They cost nothing to view or photograph, require no cultivation techniques, or care, and they too are an indication that spring has arrived; which makes me wonder who coined the term “April Showers bring May flowers”?

But aside from that, trilliums are unique in that:

  • by picking one you can seriously injure the plant and may prevent it from producing food for the next year, and the plant will eventually take many years to recover, or die!
  • picking them is illegal, and…you could get arrested!
  • trilliums are especially unique because they produce a chemical that is technically called an elaisome, a syrup that attracts insects.
  • from a planted seed, it takes approximately five to nine years for the Great White Trillium to bloom! So when you see a massive number of these in spring, you know you’re looking at a bunch of plants that are at least a decade old, probably much older.
  • since the late nineties, the trillium, a member of the lily family, has been a symbol of bisexuality. This symbol came to be used on the Mexican bisexual flag in 2001, showing how nature can intertwine with larger themes such as love and the freedom to love regardless of gender.

Remember, you read it here first!

Skagit Valley is for Lovers!

RoozenGaarde Tulip Farm, Mt. Vernon

I can’t help but wonder if this couple, whom I found gently tiptoeing among the tulips several years ago during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival may have ventured down the path to matrimony…

Pathways of Grape Hyacinth framed by Tulip Bulbs

and if so, what a pretty path there was to offer them at nearby Tulip Town the same year. But if they hesitated, I’m sure the offerings this year will be equally as inviting.

And for those of you who haven’t been there yet, this is a gentle reminder of what you may be missing by delaying your trip. Although there are no guarantees of matrimony, you will find a fabulous display of flowers, not only tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and peonies but crocus, muscari, and more.

And I you choose to plant your own bulbs, the farm is offering 25 free Akebono Tulip bulbs if you “place a bulb order for $75.00* or more by June 15th or $90.00* or more by July 31st and we will add the 25 FREE bulbs to your order!” – see their website for more information and if you go…tiptoe lightly too, please.

P.S. the Sequim Senior Center, aka the Shipley Center is now offering a trip to the festival, April 10th, so if you’re of the ripe age, you may want to check it out!

Dragon Lady

Blue Dasher on Lily Pad

I planned a trip to this particular pond because in summer, it’s filled with lily pads, dragonflies, and cedar waxwings, one of my favorite birds.

The waxwings dart back and forth across the pond, snatch up dragonfly nymphs and transport them back to their nests to feed their chicks with such grace and speed that shooting photos quickly enough to capture them is quite a challenge, but one I absolutely love.

However, after spying this adult dragonfly perched on a lily pad, my lens was momentarily diverted to it and the light behind it, not the birds.

Although it’s rather challenging for me to tell the difference between male and female Blue Dashers, I’m guessing this one was a female, therefore the Dragon Lady title (and besides, it adds a little drama).

And because she was so beautifully perched on this lily pad, I watched her flit back and forth too, in search of mosquitoes, part of her daily diet.

What’s not to love about a gal who eliminates mosquitos!

Battery Kinzie, Ft. Worden

An entryway into the Past

While touring a WWII battery may not be first on your list of fun things to do, think again…the batteries at Ft. Worden are so unique, mysterious and thought provoking that a visit just might change your mind about “fun”.

Considering the colorful and expressionistic graffiti on most of the walls, some have gone so far as to compare it to an art gallery; children see it as a playground; photographers and artists consider it an endless opportunity for discovery and self expression, and you and maybe your out of town guests may have your own description, but I’m sure it will be positive.

Considering its proximity to Pt. Wilson Lighthouse, Pt. Townsend, and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, one can spend all day, several days, or even a week exploring them, and the entire area, and never tire.

So if you too are looking for some fun activity, a place to take your friends, and a new experience this weekend or whenever, you don’t need to look far from home.

Welcome to April!

La Connor Tulip Fields, Washington

With the onset of April, the event uppermost in my mind is the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in La Conner, today through April 30th.

No fooling…as many of us know, it features some of the very best scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and if you haven’t been, don’t wait any longer. The crowds can be difficult so you’d be wise to get there early enough, or late enough (think sunset shots) to capture great photos and great memories.

Be sure to check the website for the “bloom map”, times, prices and other pertinent information before you go. And don’t miss Tulip Town, 5 miles from La Conner, Roozengaarde Display Garden, 6 miles from La Conner, as well as the others listed.

And don’t forget to bring some color home with you to Sequim!

Bee Kind…

A Bumble Bee Gathering Pollen from Craspedia

While a lot of us may be nervous about bees, I understand that bumble bees are rather docile and reluctant to sting – and they’ll only sting if they are getting smooshed, or if you threaten their nest, both of which are really bad ideas.

In general, bumble bees are tolerant of people, so you can get close and observe them without bothering them, but getting a good photo could be pushing their limits. I’ve only gotten stung once so far, but I’m sure it will not be my last, since like many fellow photographers, I find them so irresistible to photograph.

This particular one was in British Colombia flitting about an amazing flower I not seen before…craspedia, a native to Australia and New Zealand (!) which sort of resembles ping pong or whiffle balls.

And as you may already know, bees and other pollinators are essential for the pollination of many crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. A decline in bee populations could lead to reduced crop yields and increased food prices (yes!), yet it seems like every year, we hear about their populations declining even more. 

So as the 2021 Sequim logo encouraged us to do then please, “Be Kind”, and please be especially kind to bees – kill the pesticides this year, not the bees! Our crops depend on it.