Tuesday, August 2, 2011

FINAL FLING, SEATTLE 2011

The final day of our fling had arrived. We were to take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island for our final visits of the fling. Of course the weather decided to take a turn for the worse. Cloudy skies with rain. Not the perfect day for a ferry trip but as we were to find when we got to the Bloedel Reserve, a perfect day for understanding why the trees and ground were covered with moss.

Today was the day for the group photograph as we gathered at the back of the ship with the Seattle skyline behind us.

THE BLOEDEL RESERVE

On arrival at Bloedel we were introduced to the preserve by our docent and then to David Perry who was to give us a class on garden photography.

Almost immediately the heavens opened and, the umbrellas popped open and we headed off in all directions to wander the gardens. Rain was not going to put us off.

I was in the first group as we settled under the cover of a tent behind the visitor center. David was talking in particular about point and shoot cameras and I was in luck because mine is a Canon G10. When David is not using his SLR he is photographing with a Canon G12.

The garden is a wonderland of tall trees; western red cedars, Douglas firs, hemlock and .......

moss covering the ground, rocks and ancient tree stumps.













The Japanese garden where I had an opportunity to photograph some interesting paths.





I think we were all quite relieved when the rain stopped in time for our visit to Dragonfly Farms. Proven Winners were to host a reception in our honor.

We had time to wander around the nursery and enjoy their wonderful landscape.













Later they provided a sumptuous buffet and presented us with a bag of goodies. My bag contained a book on Gardening with Deer. Couldn't be more perfect.

The wonderful four days had come to a close. The bus headed back to the ferry carrying a group of very happy gardeners. Thanks to all who helped make my first fling a really enjoyable event.
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9 comments:

  1. khakiAugust 3, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    What a great way to round off the trip with photography tips!! Looks like you had a great time and how lucky that the weather was nice except for that one little spurt. Great shots of the moss/ rock/ stumps.

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  2. Abbey ForneyAugust 3, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Neat! Those mushrooms look like ceramics you'd buy at the store. Hard to believe to they're real.

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  3. greggoAugust 3, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    I agree with abbey. those toadstools look like the toad character in my grandchilds mario video game. ha. The metal sculputes(items) look very artistic instead of industrial as they once where. Japanese design is so.....simple. Less is more.

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  4. CommonweederAugust 3, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I cannot get enough of the Bloedel. Beautiful photos! Even before the David Perry lesson.

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  5. Linda/patchworkAugust 3, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Sounds like a wonderful trip.
    Glad you had such a good time...and, shared it with us.
    Great photos. The book was a perfect fit, for you.
    Not so green back home, I'm afraid.
    Thanks again.

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  6. The Sage ButterflyAugust 3, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Thanks for sharing this trip and the beautiful plants and trees. I am glad the rain took a break.

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  7. Dee/reddirtramblingsAugust 4, 2011 at 4:44 AM

    Wasn't it the most magical of places? I took my family back the following week and shot it in the sun. If I'd known, I would have done a shot by shot comparison. Lovely place, and I really thought the Japanese garden was a highlight.

    Loved seeing you again too.~~Dee

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  8. cjanovAugust 4, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    Great subjects and fantastic photography! Umbrellas....I think I remember what they are : ) Must have been nice to get a break from the central Tx heat and drought.

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  9. Rachel MathewsAugust 11, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Hi Jenny,

    I'm off to Seattle in a couple of week's time - I'd heard it's called the rainy city, can see from your beautiful pics it is!

    I'll be staying on Vashon Island, not sure how far that is away from Bainbridge but I'll add it to my list of places to visit!

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