Walks, Hikes and Wanders #10: Greenery and Gardens Along the Burke

 Well, we didn't get anywhere close to Kenmore, but Mr. D and I had a wonderful seven-mile walk one morning last week on the Burke-Gilman Trail. It was a gorgeous day, predicted to get into the high 70s by late afternoon. We drove down Sand Point Way in Seattle, accessed the trail just off  Northeast 65th Street, and headed north.

I could immediately tell that this was going to be different than our last walk on the Burke five weeks earlier. The most noticeable difference was how green everything has gotten since early April. Our recent spell of warm weather has really accelerated spring growth and blooming.

There were Thimbleberry plants already in bloom. The berries will be forming soon.

Buttercups and Forget-Me-Nots and Dandelions grew in large patches right next to the trail.

We saw a Mallard couple enjoying the rain-filled ditch that runs along the trail near our turn-around spot at Northeast 125th Street, Could this be the same pair we saw just a bit north of here in April?

There was new growth on the trees and the blooming beauty in the hidden gardens that we saw along the way. I'm sharing just a sampling—enjoy!

 

Walks, Hikes and Wanders #9: A Stroll Down Azalea Way

Last Monday, Mr. D and I decided to go to the Washington Park Arboretum, which is located in Seattle's Madison Park neighborhood. May is one of the best times of year to visit, all because of one long path: Azalea Way. Take a look:

While the azaleas are truly spectacular, that is not all there is to see at the arboretum. There are many hybrid rhododendrons, most of which were in full, glorious bloom.

 

The arboretum isn't just about flowers, however. We saw wonderful  foliage plants, like this red bud hazel:

We also looked up, up and up at this spectacular Chinese Ash. While the azaleas, rhododendrons and foliage plants were all wonderful, this was the best sight of the day.

Tiptoe Through the Mud...

To the amazing tulips! Mr. D and I took a day trip last week to RoozenGaarde, a bulb farm in Mount Vernon, Washington. It was rainy, wet and muddy, but it didn't matter. Take a look and see what I mean.