Posts from the ‘Garden Tours & Travel’ Category

Jun 7

Tour of Seattle’s Japanese Garden

Looking east toward pond & water lilies

I found myself driving through the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle today & passing by the Japanese Garden. Since it was a beautiful morning and the garden is less than 4 acres, I decided to take a quick tour. I haven’t been to the garden for almost 10 yrs.

It was the best $5 I’ve spent it a long time. I could’ve sat there and walked around all day just soaking up the calm and peaceful environment.

As I was walking (relaxed) through the perfectly pruned trees, I decided to take this tour at least once a year to help replicate the peace and openness in my garden but on a slightly smaller scale.

Below are some pictures I took of the garden – with my phone! Since I wasn’t planning on taking a garden tour I didn’t bring our camera.

View from far end of the garden

Enjoying the reflections

Getting a bite to eat

Wisteria arbor over the water - love the stepping stones

Love the shape of this tree

Hidden statue

Pathway stepping stones over the creek

Repetition of plants mirrors creek

Fun hedge looks almost like Espalier

Apr 24

Discovering the Belltown P-Patch

Mosaic tiles fancy up the main garden entrance

In middle of a bustling city, we found a garden sanctuary with tile mosaic walls, beautiful iron fences and therapeutic patches of dirt – ready for planting.

The Belltown P-Patch is located on the corner of Elliot and Vine – nestled between condominiums, businesses and a warehouse.

You’re welcomed by a beautiful tile mosaic staircase that leads to a whimsical garden and a view of Puget Sound.

An iron fence surrounds the garden with designs including onions, leaves and various garden tools.

Pathways weave around the personal spaces set aside for each gardener. Artwork, trellises, and edging help make each space special.

View of Elliot Bay and west view of garden beds

Garden art and east view of garden

I’m happy this patch of land was saved and the view wasn’t used to build more condominiums – that would’ve been a waste. Click here to read more about the garden and how they got started.