Green Lake gardens

I was at Green Lake on Monday for a story I'm writing for Seattle's Child Magazine. I had a chance to stroll around the lake and capture some of the sweet gardens in the area.


There isn't space for such a path at our home but I'd like to recreate this lovely space on a smaller scale. It winds away from the lakeside path and back into a secluded spot that provides welcome shade on a hot summer day.
Another stop along the 2.8-mile path offers a place to rest against a backdrop of ferns, Dusty Miller and Daisies.

The army of lily pads is quite impressive. I only started walking Green Lake after having the little guy so I've missed this gorgeous display until now.

Good to be back

We traveled to Missoula, Mont., to take my niece to orientation at my alma mater, the University of Montana. It was a short trip but we took time to revisit some of our favorite spots that provide a quick fix just outside the Garden City.

Missoula is located in a glacial valley featuring five mountain ranges and the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers. Pattee Canyon is a quick and dirty getaway, less than 10 minutes outside the city. This early in the summer, it was still lush and green.
The Kim Williams Nature area includes an easy trail that draws hikers and cyclists to its winding path wedged between the Clark Fork and Mount Sentinel. The trail is easily accessible from campus and was a favorite jaunt of ours. We brought the little guy to enjoy the surroundings. I had almost forgotten how much I love this area, and marvel at the simple beauty of its landscape.

Summer's here

Things have really started opening up as temperatures increase. We'll be leaving for Missoula, Mont., and I wanted to get some shots of what's happening in the garden.
The Mock Orange is in full bloom, filling the air with its sweet aroma. I adore this plant/tree/shrub but never know what to do with it. It becomes so gangly this time of year, despite being cut back each season. I'm not sure if it wants to be a tree or a shrub and I don't think it knows either.

On the subject of "trees," one of my Japanese Maples fell victim to lack of attention and our Lab/Chow.
It remained in its nursery pot far too long and suffered severe heat stroke. The poor thing hung on and even put on new leaves near its base in a final gasp for life. I plunked it in the ground just beneath our large rhododendrons and it is perking up.
But look closely and you'll see where garden helper Winston felt the need to do some pruning. He left a jagged spear of what used to be the main trunk. The Maple is wounded but it's carrying on.



More Allium genus are sprouting up around the yard, planted a couple seasons ago but finally showing signs of flowering. The butter yellow color of the Yarrow is finally starting to bleed through, offering a cheerful greeting when you open the front door.



The vegetable garden is holding up as well. I spotted the beginning of peppers and flowers on both the tomato plants. The peas, in all their tangles glory, have also starting flowering. That's a promise of some pods when we return.