While the art show was a main attraction, I knew very soon upon arriving that it was the garden that was going to get most of my attention.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a treasure that features a Yao Garden, a rhododendron garden, a hardy fuchsia collection, a large natural area, and more. A highlight is the Northwest Perennial Alliance long border.
I was immediately struck by the plantings near the Visitor Center, resembling the prairie style of Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf.
Late summer brings the gold to the grasses.
The Gaura danced above and through it all, like the Whirling Butterflies it's common name suggests.
Hypericum berries add a flash of bright orange.
There are going to be a lot of photos in this post, so I will limit my narrative. Just scroll and enjoy.
This pink dogwood caught my eye.
New blooms along with "strawberry" seed heads! So beautiful
And then we were in the border.
Seed heads, grasses, and late blooming perennials all add color and texture to the mix.
I found the name of a plant that intrigued me, an Origanum.
Orange plumes of ginger.
And this wonderfully drapey thing.
A dahlia display at the sunny end of the border.
It was very serene in the Yao Garden.
It won't be long now until the glory of summer is over, but autumn will bring its own beauty.
Just look for it.
