Category: Flowers

I brake for flowers

While the dahlias are at their peak in Carrie Blake Park the bees are making the most of the pollen they offer. It looked a little like a “Happy Days Are Here Again” party as sometimes multiple bees would land and work their ways across blossoms.

They were such pretty additions to the already gorgeous blossoms.

I learned on this trip that the dahlias at this garden, the Sequim Botanical Garden, are donated by Lee Bowen who deserves a big thanks. They’re a beautiful addition to the landscape.

While dahlias are front and center in the landscape right now there are also some gorgeous old fashioned roses. And healthy but slowly fading lavender.

It’s a nice place for humans — and insects — to visit for a flower fix.

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Time for dahlias

Before I moved to Washington state I was always impressed with how beautifully dahlias seemed to grow here. They seemed to be in every other garden, thriving.

The other day I went to Carrie Blake Park to see how the Sequim Botanical Garden is doing during dahlia season.

In a word…great. Even on a grey day the flowers looked perky and colorful. I’ll show you some of my favorites tomorrow.

Flower season

I’ve driven past this sweet little flower stand before but not at the height of summer when it’s been filled with beautiful bouquets. It’s a delight.

Everything was fresh and beautiful, including vases full of vibrant dahlias. I was taken with this mixed bouquet.

The stand is next to a sweet house with spectacular, well-tended gardens. And a sweet, friendly dog named Tucker.

Inhale…enjoy

Graysmarsh Farm is another lavender grower in Sequim, though they also have seasonal berries. The lavender is a part of their “U pick” operations; visitors can pick lavender bouquets as well as summer strawberries, raspberries, and other berries.

As with our other farms, the lavender attracts photographers.

Graysmarsh fields are beautiful because, well, lavender. Though some other farms include features to enhance photo-taking or encourage visitors to linger, this location is a farm that focuses on its commodities. If you love lavender, that’s plenty.

Double delight

This is another plant that I’m growing this year: scarlet runner bean. I planted it because it attracts hummingbirds. I wasn’t sure what the beans would be like but they’re delicious…and abundant.

I wasn’t sure how well it would do in our climate but I needn’t have worried. It’s thriving. We enjoy the beans and the hummingbirds are visiting the blossoms. Win win.

Planting for wildlife

Years ago I planted crocosmia bulbs, a showy red flower, specifically for the visitor above. Hummingbirds love them.

Both of these shots were taken at some distance so they’re not crisp. But in this one you can see a blurry second hummingbird attempting an incursion into the blossoms. In a heartbeat both birds were off in flight as the resting one chased off the interloper.

These are the blossoms of contention. Perfect color and shape for attracting hummers. Deer also love them and happily nip off the flowers as soon as they bloom. Three rounds of deer spray preserved the remaining flowers you see.

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