Some of the members of our garden group met this morning to tour Powellswood, a private garden in Federal Way that is sometimes open to the public. Tom and I had been here many years ago, when the garden was new, and we were excited to see how it had developed.
We were not disappointed.
The weather was a bit disappointing, as it rained pretty much the whole time we were there, but except for keeping my camera dry, it was good light for photography.
I have a lot of lovely photos, and it is hard to choose between them, so get ready for a bunch!
Walking from the parking area, you can see this is something special.
Parsley and pansies as bedding plants.
There are many wonderful plant combinations in this border. I loved the C
olorful barberry.
On to the Spring Garden, under the cherry trees.
A view into the Woodland Garden.
The Pond Garden
The end of the path.
We had a lovely last day, Wednesday, at the Whidbey cabin.
My view from the top on the hill on my walk.
My view while reading by the lagoon.
But the sun has gone down on that little bit of summer.
We returned home last night to a kitty who was very glad to see us.
This morning we were off to the Berliner Pub in Renton to join Jill and a gang of other USA supporters for the USA vs Germany World cup match.
Since then we have been very busy here at home.
We picked crops.
Then I had to wash the lettuce and store it, and prepare some of the raspberries for the freezer. But that meant I had to defrost the freezer, which is a job I do every spring and hadn't gotten to yet.
Cleaning out the freezer I found six quarts of raspberries from last year. However they are suspect, since the berries turned wormy very early in the season, so I am thawing them and will make raspberry syrup tomorrow.
I also found almonds I didn't know I had so I toasted them. I used to eat only raw almonds, but I like the toasted and lightly salted ones so much more, that I am making my own.
The freezer defrosted while I had lunch, and then I wiped it down and filled it back up again, with plenty of shelf space now for the new berries.
Tom was busy outside. He watered pots and raked the lawn (those dogwood leaves are still falling), and then mowed. Then he began the process of trimming the edges.
I decided to get out into the yard too, and deadheaded the roses and the Welsh poppies. Then I picked a bouquet for the house.
When I cleaned out the freezer I remembered those razor clams we dug a few month back. We had some for dinner.
Now I am done. Tom is out spraying the raspberries, trying to prevent the soft fruit Fruit Fly from ruining our crop of raspberries this year. We wait until evening so the bees have gone to bed. Hopefully we will win this battle this year.
And so go the domestic chores now that we are back at home.
I've got that lazy feeling. That stroll on the beach feeling. That endless blue sky feeling.
We've had a productive day at the cabin, with time left over to sit and read and walk on the beach and soak up some sun.
Tom got the picnic tables assembled and in place.
He finished the shingles on the shed.
His cousin Dean arrived this afternoon and they replaced a rotting board on an old table.
I worked in the garden again.
This is my work out space for my exercise routine in the mornings.
Yesterday evening I took a walk in the dike.
The Ocean Spray is blooming.
So are the blackberries.
The madrone trees are a'pealing.
Our neighbor's garden is beautiful.
Clouds just don't seem to want to stick around and strolling on the beach is therefore compulsory.
Sitting here to read is also required.
And when the tide fills the lagoon, and the wind is almost non-existent, Wow!
We dream all winter about days like this.
