Spring has sprung! The above view is from the Hendrick's Rhododendron Garden in Eugene. We recently found ourselves there on a lovely spring evening, just as the sun was beginning to set.
I haven't always been a big fan of rhododendrons and azaleas. They're a common foundation shrub here in Portland and far too often they're pruned into sad shapes and just always seemed too common. But my thoughts on them have begun to change. They're common because they're hardy here, and will often grow for years and years, no ailments or problems. When they bloom they are absolute show stoppers.
Seeing them in the Hendrick's Garden we could see how gorgeous they are when left to grow to their natural size. Often, that size is huge, and when they are bloom, so beautiful!
Some more photos from the Hendrick's Garden:
Check out this lichen:
A few days later we ventured to Portland's Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. And yes, the garden was in full bloom. So peaceful and pretty. Diego experienced his first "creek" and was very hesitant about the sound, but not so hesitant about the geese and ducks: oh man, that was funny. Loving these adventures lately. Photos from Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden:
2 comments:
I am soooo jealous of how lush your flowers are in the Northwest! These photos are gorgeous.
My friend always refers to rhododendrons in small urban lots as "caged beasts." They want to be big and how beautiful they are when allowed to do so!
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