Six on Saturday in Seattle

We recently returned from a trip to Seattle, and I thought I'd make that destination the focus of this week's "Six on Saturday," hosted by Jim at Garden Ruminations. The plants were incredibly robust and happy in Seattle and it was hard to narrow down the list, but here goes:



1. Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa): Wow, they seemed bigger than they are here in Southern Wisconsin. And they were stunningly beautiful.



2. Beach Rose hips: I mean, these guys seemed giant, too. I should have taken a picture of my hand next to them, but they seemed like they were larger than one inch in diameter. I was tempted to pick one and eat it right there.



3. Other beautiful Roses: OK, I didn't get the name of this one, but it was a lovely example of the stunning blooms throughout the city.



4. Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis): This is a fun plant, isn't it? I've seen it many times during travels, but it seemed especially happy in Seattle, for some reason. Unfortunately, it's not hardy to USDA zone 5b, so I can't grow it.



5. Sweetshrub (Calycanthus 'Aphrodite'): I can grow this one! But again, the blooms seemed huge in Seattle. A lovely shrub to consider...



6. Hydrangeas: Oh gosh, they were amazing! There were so many varieties all around the city. Most of them were blue or purple or dark pink because of the area's acidic soil. Gorgeous bloomers!

Amazingly beautiful, large, and healthy plants were everywhere we went, including at the famous Pike Place market. It was a fun trip, and I hope to visit Seattle again in the not-too-distant future.

To join in the "Six on Saturday" meme, head on over to Garden Ruminations.

A Vase Full of Warm Colors

It's time for "In a Vase on Monday," the meme hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden. I'd intended to use pink and purple and other cool-colored blooms, but the first-blooming Gladiolas were a warm red. This called for warm companion elements. The photo above shows the selections.

As mentioned, these Glads (Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids) are dramatic. They're the first I've cut for the season. They're healthy, and full, and ready for display.

I used three large Hosta leaves to frame the bouquet.



Next, I added False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides) as accents throughout the arrangement.



And ivory Asiatic Lillies (Lilium asiatica) added grace and structure.



While most of the Zinnias (Z. elegans) currently blooming in the garden are cool colors, there were a few warm ones, including this large 'State Fair Mix' red bloom: a nice companion to the Gladiolas.

Also, I included some 'Zowie' Yellow Flame Zinnias, full of bright, warm colors.



Finally, graceful 'Invincibelle Lace' Hydrangea (H. arborescens subsp. radiata) blooms added elegance and more structure. 

Tee hee: Notice how tall the Gladiolas are? I'll have to clip the stems every few days as the blooms on the bottom fade.

Thanks to Cathy for hosting In a Vase on Monday! Head on over to her blog to see more vase arrangements from around the blogosphere.

Sunday Highlights at the Memphis Fling

My last day at the Memphis Fling was bright, colorful, and wonderful like the others. (I regrettably didn't stay for the alternate activities on Monday.) Again, I'll keep the words to a minimum, and you can read more on the Fling website and in our social media posts.

Our first stop was at the home of Pam Beasley in the suburb of Germantown. Her garden was welcoming, and full of creative touches throughout (photos above and below):









Great curb appeal, lush walkways, creative arbors covered with flowers and baskets, and comfy seating areas adorned the gardens.

Next, we headed to the eclectic, 50-acre property of Susan and Jon Thompson: 







Beautiful waterways and water features, and colorful planting combinations graced the property.





Artfully arranged rock and brick displays and espalied trees created more magic.

Tatyana and Alex Jankov's property was equally welcoming in their own unique style:



Spans of native plants and pollinator favorites greeted us at the front.







Raised planting beds and a creative and tidy work area caught my eye, as did a water station for wild garden friends. It reminded me to add marbles to my own water bowl at home.



The Jankovs also had an impressive collection of beautiful Dahlias at peak bloom.

Next, Tammy and Jim Hausman's home and gardens:







The pool was a fun element, along with comfy seating and artful planters and birdhouses.

And the special event...floral arranging by John Mark Sharpe:



It was a nifty treat to see him work through the stages of a grand floral display.



One...



Two...



Three! (Admittedly, I think I liked it equally at the earliest stages all the way through to the end.)

For lunch, we visited Bobby Lanier Farm Park:

A working model of a community-based suburban farm, it featured plentiful lush crops and a meeting area for our luncheon.





Artful wreaths and floral arrangements adorned the windows and the tables.

At Millstone Market and Nursery:



I didn't take many photos, but I loved this moss "purse." I think I will make one very soon...

Three more gardens greeted us on Sunday, in the East Memphis/Midtown area. For some reason, at the Andy Williams and John Morris garden, I focused mainly on the plants, including:







White, blue, and pink Hydrangeas of various species and cultivars.



And blooms of mixed colors.



I was also fascinated by the stages of Magnolia (M. grandiflora) development, from bud to bloom to seedhead.

The gardens of Amy Bateson and Sarah Tinkler were contemplative:

Statuaries, floral displays, and water features were calm and relaxing.



This bike-hauling vehicle also captured my imagination.

Our final destination on Sunday was the quaint, sweet property of Bernhard Meck and Dakoda Davis:







A lovely home, colorful garden decorations, and special lyrics greeted us...but then there was a surprise...

A dwarf caiman in an indoor enclosure! To read more about it, check out Bernhard Meck's description.

I'll leave you with a photo of a budding and blooming Rose from the Meck/Davis garden, because so many Roses were at peak bloom and beauty during the Memphis Fling. It was a magical time and a wonderful event!

Visit the Fling website and our social media posts for more coverage. And plan now for next year's Fling in Buffalo, N.Y., July 9-12, 2026.