Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
We went to Victoria B.C. earlier this month and spent a day at Butchart Gardens. It’s beautiful in any season, even at night in December when dormant plants are draped in lights. I thought it would be nice to shoot a summer shot of a specimen tree that was wreathed in glorious blossoms last April. Click here for a comparison.
Summer is about color in these gardens. There was no shortage of bright spots.
We went to see the roses, which didn’t disappoint. But I was captivated by the begonias.
DH came along while I took lavender photos earlier this month. He goofed around with depth of field and came up with this shot. Not bad, especially considering he was also wrestling with my big, heavy long lens.
One of Sequim’s longtime nurseries, Peninsula Nursery, changed hands a few years ago. The new owners have made many improvements, including the addition of a pretty lavender field.
Not all of our lavender operations are large farms. Earth Muffin Lavender is a modest operation at a busy intersection that many visitors pass.
Many of Sequim’s lavender operations are ready for photo ops. The scale of this extra large chair at Olympic Lavender doesn’t translate as well as it does when two to three adults or several children are seated in it, smiling for photographs. (The farm was closed when I dropped by.)
The Lavender Festival is in full swing today. The open space here will likely be filled with craft vendors and a small stage nearby will feature live music. Recent grey days are giving way to sunshine. Summer has arrived in Sequim.
Most of the lavender farms in Sequim have been designed with an eye toward its beauty in the landscape. This is one of Sequim’s largest and oldest operations, Purple Haze. It’s gorgeous.
The farms offer photo ops galore, even in the rain. Who doesn’t want a picture in the midst of such beauty?
Over this Lavender Festival weekend Purple Haze and other venues offer live music. Many present demonstrations or short classes in growing and distilling lavender. If it has to do with lavender you can probably find it here.
Purple Haze, incidentally, is for sale. It would be a dream to be surrounded by such beauty. Just don’t forget you have to go to work when you wake up.
Sequim has lavender farms, big and small. Most have many varieties of the plants — early or late blooming, in shades from white to deep purple, aromatic, and culinary.
In addition to fields that are open for visitors to wander through and cut lavender bouquets, most of the farms offer lavender distillations and products such as lotions and soaps.
It’s wonderful to walk through the fields on warmer days an be immersed in the fresh lavender scent. It was overcast the day I took these photos but the scents made up for the dull light.
Top to bottom the farms shown are Jardin du Soleil, Olympic Lavender, and B & B Family Farm.
This coming weekend, July 19-21, is Sequim’s annual Lavender Festival and our farms are buzzing with preparations and early visitors.
Lavender of all shades is the star of the show and it’s looking good.