Botanical Beauty

I perhaps owe being a painter to flowers.

~Claude Monet~

When my mother asked me to join her on an adventure to the Mendocino Botanical Garden recently, I had no idea it would be a journey so rich in Beauty. I was clear that I was supposed to go, despite my reservations about the distance to get to our destination, albeit a Gorgeous drive over the Mendocino County hills, through the redwood forests, past beaches and coves to the small town of Fort Bragg, CA. Once there, we were greeted by a Lovely pond, seen above, which evoked images of one of my favourite painters. I was immediately very Grateful to be there, although still unaware of the exquisiteness which lay ahead.

The journey through the gardens began in a circular, open area, with small ponds, statues and flowers in bloom; a hint of the tremendous and awe-inspiring wonder upon which we would feast. “I see them!” my mom happily declared upon spying some of the rhododendrons she’d come to photograph. I turned to take in the very large and impressive red and pink flowers, and understood why she had made such a long trip. Do you see, Dear Reader?

The Earth laughs in flowers.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Yes, of course these Amazing trees, standing much taller than I, were extraordinary, but there was something magickal about this place, and I felt drawn into it, anxious to explore the paths to see what lay ahead. I was enraptured by pockets of Beauty all around me.

What could be down this path?

So accustomed to the bright orangey California poppy, I was quite taken with this white variety.

How Sweet are these Five Spots flowers?

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.

~Gerald De Nerval~

Dance along the path with me!

This Lovely pond left me with an overwhelming desire to stay the night, awaiting the potential fairy play. Don’t you see how inviting it would be for them?

Where flowers bloom so does hope.

~Lady Bird Johnson~

Isn’t it truly Amazing that someone thought this place up and created it for our pleasure? What a gift!

This gate is so Creative!

View from a bridge.. can you see the stream?

Love and Blessings,
Antonia