“Meadow Abstract”
Heatherwood Summer
This looks like we are giving the meadow flowers a bath shower. We are just watering them. Temperatures are getting hot. The forecast is to break 100 degrees next week. We need to make sure everything is well watered by the time the extreme temperatures hit. We hope we have been watering enough to have built up a enough moisture to get the plants through the upcoming scorcher.
“Daisies and Yarrow”
Heatherwood Meadow
White daisies and yellow yarrow complement each other in our Heatherwood garden. Since they complement so well, why not take two image and then combine them into one multiple exposure. The above abstract is the result.
“Color in the Meadow”
Heatherwood Summer
Fourth of July was a beautiful day here in Eastern Washington. After a morning cup of coffee sitting out in the garden, I took off for a stroll with my camera. Everywhere I looked summer color was brightly shining throughout the garden. In this little spot in our meadow we have orange red-hot pokers, purple bee balm, red bee balm, purple salvia, white daisies, yellow yarrow, yellow red-hot pokers, and various shades of green grasses. We peacefully gaze and enjoy the wonderful gift in front of us.
“Pink & Yellow Yarrow”
Heatherwood Summer
I have walked by this spot many, many times. What I normally see is a wide angle view of pretty flowers at my feet, green grass and a meadow expanding in front of me, our and our neighbors’ homes, and the distant ridge surrounding the view. By just moving down to ground level, my perspective completely changes to focus on the beautiful jewels right in front of my face.
Life is similar. So many times I look around and see all the confusion and discomforting things that distract me and cause anxiety. When I settle down and become grounded, I can see and feel the many things that are right with our world. Today, I celebrate Independence Day and reflect and cherish all what independence brings to me.
Happy 4th of July!
“Looking Through The Cherry Allee”
Heatherwood Summer
Enjoying the early evening sunlight grazing across our Heatherwood landscape and the surrounding neighborhood is a pleasure. With the long summer evenings, sometimes it is the nicest part of the day. Many times we miss this wonderful gift as we finish our dinner and watch the news. For my peace of soul, I think it would be much better if I spent my evenings enjoying what nature brings versus watching the TV.
“Meadow Overlook”
Heatherwood Summer
This is the view of our early summer Heatherwood meadow from our top lawn. We extended our upper lawn out to provide this viewing perspective of the lower lawn and meadow. The flowing grasses, colorful perennials, and welcoming green lawn draw us down for a stroll. The background trees provide separation from our neighbors.
It is time to start the morning with a little walk.
“Old Fogey In Early Morning Sun”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
Our “Old Fogey” pine was planted earlier this spring to frame the top part of the waterfall. His head and arms are reaching toward the falling water. They seem to be stretching out for the sun’s gentle early morning rays. We patiently will give him time to find his place in the garden.
“Kotoji in Early Morning Sun”
Heatherwood Japanese Garden
The early morning sun is always a delight as it first grazes our Heatherwood garden. Backlit leaves warm the scene with their filtered soft colors. Light sparkles from the water and highlights the southeast facing vegetation. Shadows provide striking contrast ,popping out the highlights of the exposed plants. I look up and see the Kotoji lantern proudly standing guard over his domain.
Its a peaceful way to start the day!
“Adirondack Settee”
Heatherwood Woodland
We added this Adirondack settee to our woodland garden area this spring. It is located at a corner of the woodland path framed in by several redbuds and Korean lilacs. From this point, we have views looking east and north through the developing woodland. Trees and shrubs will grow to shield this spot from the neighborhood road on the west. To date, we have 3 birch trees, 6 standard maples, 7 Japanese maples, 6 dogwoods, 1 oak, 1 ginkgo and a selection of conifers. We have filled in the understory with various perennials, viburnums, winterberries, rhododendrons, elderberries, buckthorns, and other shrubs. Next year we will be adding ground covers.
“Eastern View Through Woodland”
Looking east through the redbud lined path, we have a nice view of the bottom of the Cherry Allee and perennial garden. The bare spot on the distant hillside was where our historic irrigation flume stood for one hundred years. In a few more years the trees shrubs along the garden ridge should grow tall enough to cover the remaining scar.
“Northern View Through Woodland”
Looking north from the settee, we follow the path through the woodland up to the northern abutment of Selah Ridge. The understory is still sparse. It shouldn’t take long to start to fill in as we plant additional ground covers.
In the coming years this spot will be a wonderful place to sit and take a break to enjoy the surrounding little piece of nature!. Heck, it is a good spot now! We enjoyed a peaceful cup of morning coffee here today.
“More Rock Garden Color”
Heatherwood Summer
The other day while I was photographing in the Japanese garden area, Mary came up to me and excitedly said that I had to come over and see the vignette she had just observed in our rock garden. Yesterday’s and today’s posting illustrate what she saw. Today’s image is the same view as yesterday, but taken just a few steps to the right. I look forward to tomorrow and what the next vision will be presented to me.