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 lovely selection of plants, especially the Hydrangeas. My knowledge of Seattle is limited to Frasier and the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks film.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, "Frasier" was a fabulous series, and "Sleepless in Seattle" was a great film. This was my first time in Seattle, and I was amazed with the health and actual size of all the plants and blooms. Lovely city, too.
DeleteI wish I could convince my husband to visit the Seattle area in summer (his brother lives on nearby Vashon Island). Thanks for sharing your visit. The difference between Seattle's climate and that of coastal SoCal is emphasized by your photos of the Acanthus mollis - mine are rapidly dying back (even though summer condition are milder than usual) whereas those you photographed look like mine did in early spring!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny--I thoroughly enjoyed our Seattle visit (for a wedding), but I don't think I'd want to live there. It felt cold for a good portion of the trip, and I prefer to be warm during the summer. LOL. But I'm sure I'd appreciate it more in January or February. I feel the same way about San Francisco. But I've been to the L.A. area in all seasons, and I can definitely see the appeal. Some of the plants blooming in Seattle are done blooming here, too, believe it or not. But it's summer. ;-)
DeleteHow lovely, thanks for taking us along for a ride.
ReplyDeleteThanks--yes, it was a fun place to visit, and the plants were amazing!
DeleteI've spent a little bit of time in Seattle, it was October and really gorgeous. We have some good friends who moved there recently, so I expect to visit at some point again!
ReplyDeleteAs you profiled here, there are some lovely gardens and a great variety of plants that thrive there. I especially like your compilation of hydrangeas--that's nicely done. Tina
Hi Tina: Thanks. I imagine it's lovely at any time of year, but I think I'd appreciate it even more in spring, fall, and winter. Our summers here are much warmer and more comfortable. But I know Seattle winters would be much more mild than ours. ;-)
DeleteIt looks like a fun trip. I wish I could get lovely blue hydrangeas like that. Acanthus mollis looks good but it is impossible to get rid of once it starts spreading.
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun! Interesting about the Acanthus mollis: I can't grow it except as an annual. :( The Hydrangeas were really special--so many deep blue ones! I've had blue blooms occasionally here, but not that deep blue tone, because my soil is more neutral.
DeleteLovely photos, especially the top with the Space Needle! My father grew Calycanthus when I was growing up. Such an amazing aroma, like wine! (Lisa, formerly of Lisa's Garden Adventure, which I mistakenly permanently deleted.)
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa: That park with the Space Needle view was special. I should have remembered about the Calycanthus scent...darn. Did you say you permanently deleted your blog?!
DeleteSome old friends of mine here! Thanks, I enjoyed the visit. A.melia theshrubqueen
ReplyDeleteHi Amelia: Yes, they are not unfamiliar plants, even to me in my zone 5b location, but all the plants seemed bigger. LOL. It's funny: Many of the familiar plants I saw in Kansas seemed smaller than they are here in Wisconsin. I suppose some of it has to do with soil types and precipitation, etc. Fascinating.
DeleteSuch a fun trip, you went at a great time! Summer is really beautiful in the PNW.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a lovely visit (for a wedding). I think I would appreciate it even more in spring, fall, and winter (especially the latter). I absolutely LOVE summer in S. Wisconsin. But I prefer warm-to-hot weather in June, July, and August. :)
DeleteVery nice selection, the hydrangeas are obviously gorgeous, especially the one at the top right which is original by the color. Otherwise the highlight this week for me remains the Calycanthus which is an amazing flower.
ReplyDeleteHi Fred: Thanks. I agree: The Calycanthus is special. I need to think about adding a shrub or two to my garden. I really like the flowers and the overall shape of the shrubs. And we actually saw more blue Hydrangeas than pink in Seattle.
DeleteMy daughter just returned home yesterday from a business trip to Seattle. No lovely garden photos full of floral delights like yours though. One of her sons accompanied her on this trip and they went whale watching instead. I know where I’d rather be! The hips of the rugosa rose are fabulous. I have one in the garden that is just starting to produce hips, I hope they look as good as that one. I love the photo of Bear’s Breaches - what a pity it won’t grow in your area. One of these days I’ll stop admiring it and actually buy it!
ReplyDeleteNice. Whale-watching sounds like fun, too. :) But of course my preference (if I have to pick) will always be to visit and study gardens and plants. ;-) I think the Rugosa Rose hips were the largest I've ever seen...although I do remember seeing some giant ones in London, too, now that I think about it...
DeleteI love hips. I am hoping my rose will produce some for us to enjoy or just to look at. I find them to be so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCarla
I totally agree! I always find them lovely and fascinating, but these were so huge! :)
DeleteWow so beautiful! What a fun trip. I have always wanted to go to Seattle. It looks so green there! My favorite color! I actually just had my kitchen cabinets painted green haha. I hope you have a great rest of your summer!
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie: Yes, it was great fun! It was very green...and colorful with other blooms and plants, too. It's fun to be back home, but my to-do list is gigantic after being away. :)
DeleteThanks for the lovely floral tour of Seattle! 🌼⚘ The roses and hips are very beautiful. I love all the lovely Hydrangeas. - Sarah Rajkotwala ( your blog system wouldn't accept my url).
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah: Sorry about the blog issue. It seems to be increasingly difficult to comment and have commenters on blogs. Thanks for adding your name, so I know it's you. Maybe someday the system will be easier again. Seattle's plants exceeded my expectations. :)
DeleteThat was a fun jaunt through Seattle. I definitely see a predilection for roses in your selections! That green and pink hydrangea is an eye catcher.
ReplyDeleteThank you taking us along on the tour. The Bear's Breeches and Sweetshrub are especially interesting! Seattle is definitely on my wish list!
ReplyDeletePretty images, Seattle is a place I’d love to visit.
ReplyDelete