You must have read how successful I am at finding garden items at such events and I happen to have the transportation right along with me.
This is just a sampling of some smaller items I found. Who can turn down plants in pots when they are only a dollar. As I didn't bring plants with me this year I am happy to have these for the rest of the trip. Then the little wall hangings I am sure to find a place for on an outside wall. Most of the things are already packed away and there are many gardening things among them. I was a truly happy camper!
Our next stop was for a picnic lunch in the Manito gardens, under the shade of large trees, and then a visit to the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden, within Manito Gardens. The garden symbolizes the friendship between Spokane and her sister city, Nishinomiya.
Although small the garden contains many of the elements found in Japanese gardens. The pond is fed by a waterfall which appears from high up between the trees.
Koi swim lazily around the pond.
The Forseen Lantern, a gift from the mayor and residents of Nishinomiya.
Once called the Sunken Garden, but now known as the Duncan Garden, this formal garden is designed along classical European renaissance lines. There is a central water feature and on either side bilaterally symmetrical beds filled with bedding plants. The garden covers a total of 3 acres.
We next visited the Gaiser Conservatory. Tropical plantings and a cactus greenhouse make up the bulk of the plantings.
I love the way this silver ponyfoot was used to drape over the edges of the benches.
And their fine collection of cactus and euphorbias.
There is much to explore here but we were expected for dinner at our friend's log home in Coeur d'Alene. It was going to be a beautiful evening, with a view of the lake from their terrace overlooking the lake.
Lucky us.
I love the desert, but seeing those images, especially the last one, I'm deserted out! The Japanese garden is surprisingly attractive, with such nice bones and other planting and hardscape accents.
ReplyDeleteI will have to tune my eye to the Texas landscape when we get home. All the green and flowers are a feast for the eyes.
DeleteYou were in my home town! I owned a home just a couple of blocks from Mainto park, heaven. I hope Spokane treated you well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful park and yes we really enjoyed our visit to Spokane. Wonderful park. You were very lucky to live so close.
DeleteWho doesn't like a bargain? You are a canny shopper no matter where you roam. I was just patting myself on the back for at long last weeding out two of our larger beds. Seeing the European style garden certainly put my efforts into a different perspective! I appreciate the look at the Japanese garden - so tranquil and refreshing. Just the thing to rest a pair of hot tired Texas eyes.
ReplyDeleteYes but imagine how many gardeners to look after all those plants. It would take an army to plant them. Are you planting natives?
DeleteYou are lucky.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views, beautiful gardens, and good luck at garage sales. Makes for a great vacation.
Yes. Just can't leave the garden thoughts behind though.
DeleteLucky you indeed. I never thought about buying houseplants for $1.00, but hey, those pots are super cute. Also love the dichondra falling from those benches. Gorgeous and one of my favorite plants. Have fun.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteNow I call that a great vacation!
ReplyDeleteI also visit gardens on my vacation, but I have to gauge how many we can see or how long we can say so I don't create any attitudes in the family. It has been a slow process, but I have built their tolerance up over the years.
ReplyDelete