Zone 9

 

 

I never dreamed of growing gardenias in our zone, until I saw the neighbor's blooming patio pots and jealousy reared its ugly head. 

Our neighbors are frequently down in Portland visiting their daughter, and they brought me a gardenia (above) from Versailles Garden which looks like a fancy place. What a nice gift.  

Typical gardenias need sweltering heat to bloom, but there are several newish varieties bred for the coastal Northwest, including "Gardenia jasminoides Frostproof" (above) which is considered one of the best for our cool and damp climate.

The smell is so evocative. One sniff and I'm 15 again, wearing the corsage on this eyelet dress I sewed myself.  Mom took the picture before my prom date arrived with the box. Now kids just meet up, but boys always came to the front door in those days.   

 

A gardenia was an old fashioned choice for him in the 1960's, when orchids were considered exotic and special. But that corsage was unforgettable because of the scent. 

The weekend is here with the annual Summer Fest going on at the West Seattle Junction. Every year it gets bigger, louder, and more crowded. I walked down there this morning to search for sidewalk sale bargains as usual, but there isn't much of interest for us anymore. Especially not the food. 

Well. The family is now in Rome sightseeing until Tuesday, when they fly back to Seattle on the Alaska Airlines non-stop flight. Nice. What an incredible number of experiences they've packed into 3 weeks. But I'm sensing they're ready to be back on the Carlton farm. 

The contrary ones

 

I've tried growing calla lilies in different parts of the garden, but they are finicky things. Who knows why, but this yellow one loves this particular spot. 

It wasn't even nursery stock, but a small florist pot John gave me years ago for some occasion and I randomly stuck it in the ground. Slowly but surely, it thrived.  What a pretty sight glowing in the bright sun.

Speaking of that, we probably have the best weather in the country now (contrarians as usual.) The sun is slow to break through the morning clouds, but the afternoons are in the low 70's perfect room temperature.

John has taken on a carpentry project to replace decorative lattice chewed up by critters. He is a good handyman, but would much rather be in the basement fiddling with knives. 

I've lost track of how many trips to Home Depot. It should be bear proof by the time he's done. 

 

He's not happy about it-- not so much the job, but the lack of a workshop. He has to pull out the table saw and tools each day. Carpentry is a real drag without a wood workshop. 

I told him at least he has a "pretty" place to work-- which fell on deaf ears. 

 

Clematis gone feral

How pretty is that? The clematis vine decided to climb up the olive tree this year. 

Well, for those of us living vicariously, here's a few more photos sent this morning from Amanda in Puglia. 

 

 

A long awaited beach day, and they had plenty of company at this beautiful, fancy town. 

The aperol spritzer vendor on the beach. La bella vita, indeed. 

 

 

And a visit to the most famous tourist attraction in Puglia-- the UNESCO Trulli of Alberobello.  Amanda said hot and crowded, but a must see. 

 

 

 

 

Southern Italy is certainly a feast for all the senses...

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, our glowing girls.

 

 

  

Postcards from the boot

 

The region of Puglia is located in the heel of Italy's boot, and the families are staying in this rental home for 5 nights. Amanda said it was comparatively reasonable for eight people, but sure looks like something from a luxury travel magazine. 

Puglia is famous for conical "trulli" houses, amazing food and beaches. 

The region is popular with vacationing Italians, who know something about "la dolce vita."

Like our Methow Valley families! 

What memories...

 

 

The east sides

 

How did we miss the Bellevue Botanical Garden all these years? In my working life, I commuted across Lake Washington daily, but now it's a big deal getting us out of West Seattle. Well, times have changed. 

Anyway, we decided to finally check out this garden on Sunday, the morning after the 4th, always a great time to avoid traffic and crowds.

 

 

 

The 53 acre site is a real treasure, including one of the largest public perennial gardens and a bird filled, forested natural ravine with a suspension bridge. 

 

The grounds were teeming with lovely insects. I want a bug snug. Given half a chance, nature is adaptable, being just a stones throw from the freeway, skyscrapers in downtown Bellevue, and some of the most coveted real estate in the country. Way to go, Bellevue. 

After a mostly sleepless night for me on the 4th, the early morning solitude and quiet in that garden was bliss. 

Like most sensible cities, it is illegal to set off fireworks in Seattle, but there's no enforcement so no one pays the slightest attention. I feel for people with pets and small children, not to mention, some of our veterans. Anyway, that's over for another year and I hope to be in Twisp in 2027. 

 

Speaking of east sides, I have bad fire news. To put this Watch Duty map in perspective, that is the exact location along the Columbia River of Lone Pine Fruit and Espresso! 

Zooming in, it appears the fire hasn't crossed Highway 97, so our beloved stop on the river side should be OK, at least for now. But those burned out hills will make a very different view the next time we drive over. 

This fire is 0% contained, moving toward the northeast. Homes and other structures have already been lost. Horrible thought, but all this destruction may have been started by fireworks. 

Postcards from the Italian Alps

 

Amanda said "like hiking through a fairy tale." Wildflowers, meadows, cows and ancient farms with the Alps shining above. Their Tour du Mont Blanc trek ends today in the wealthy Italian resort town of Courmayeur. 

Last night, sharing a room with 20 people at a hut-- tonight private rooms with bathrooms. Luxury! Everyone is tired and hungry but well. They have a flight to Brindisi tomorrow night, then off to new Italian adventures next week. 

All we can say is, what a trip.