Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber or red valerian), is very tough. I first saw this tall red flower growing out of a sheer rock face in N. California at the Waldo Grade. I figured, that’s one tough plant, so it’s either easy or invasive to grow. So far, nicely well behaved in my Seattle garden.

Jupiter’s beard blooming with purple canterbury bells in my backyard this week

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These are not really tulips but bulbs in the lily family, and first appeared in the 1500s. I remember seeing them in old Dutch still lifes. They come back every year in my garden in Seattle.

Adorable bell-shaped flowers with a checkerboard pattern

Also posting this on Through My Lens Monday1, Macro Monday, Ruby Tuesday 2, Our World Tuesday, Tuesday’s Wordless Wednesday, Tuesday Treasures, Wordless Wednesday, My Corner of the World Wednesday 1, Little Things Thursday, Friday Bliss, Pink Saturday, and All Seasons Sunday1. Thanks for visiting here and hope to see you again soon. Please sign up at upper right for notifications of new posts.

Also called muscari, these darling little bell-shaped flowers are a favorite early spring flower, even though they have no fragrance. See my pink magnolia in the background, almost blooming? Spring is truly here.

Pretty blue-purple bulbs of grape hyacinth come up every spring

Also posting this on Through My Lens Monday1, Macro Monday, Our World Tuesday, Tuesday’s Wordless Wednesday, Tuesday Treasures, Wordless Wednesday, My Corner of the World Wednesday 1, Little Things Thursday, Skywatch Friday, Friday Bliss, Pink Saturday, Shadow Shot Sunday 2, and All Seasons Sunday1. Thanks so much for visiting here and hope to see you again soon. Please sign up at upper right for notifications of new posts.

It’s a special bonus when the time change day is sunny, especially in Seattle. This little crocus and its friend greeted me, all wet from the rain just earlier.

Purple and white crocus blooming in early March in Seattle

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The last Lusio illumination art show at Seattle’s Volunteer Park Conservatory, was so amazing, lighting all the tropical plants and the 1912 historic building in great washes of color. So many talented light artists.

Jewel colors bathe the Palm House central space in the VPC

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At Seattle’s Volunteer Park Conservatory, there have been some fabulous Lusio light art, music and dancing fundraisers, and the last one this year is coming up on Saturday, October 19. Here’s a photo from the one in January. So much fun!

Mysterious glowing mushrooms curated by Lusio in Seattle’s Volunteer Park Conservatory January 2019

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Thinking about the flowers at Pike Place Market in Seattle. This was taken on today’s date a few years ago. Enjoy this abundance!

Rainbow colors of dahlias and other fall flowers

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If you have a roomy, shady spot for a Japanese anemone, it has such pretty flowers. I love flowers that come back every year.

Brilliant range anthers at the center of this soft lavender Japanese anemone flower

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From the garden of a friend in Kent, Washington, with its beautiful color harmony of pinks and purples.

Garden archway in the Pacific Northwest, with pink astilbe on the right

Also at Through My Lens Monday, Our World Tuesday, Tuesday’s Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, My Corner of the World Wednesday 1, Little Things Thursday, Friday Bliss, Pink Saturday, All Seasons Sunday1, and Sunday Snap. Thanks so much for visiting here and hope to see you again soon. Sign up at upper right for notifications of new posts.

This lavender is at the perfect stage for picking and drying.

Lavender buds just starting to open

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In the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden in Seattle, a brilliantly sun-dappled path invites a stroll.

Old trees overarch this path in the park on a sunny May day.

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You don’t have to be a mother to mother someone. Extra warmth and kindness makes anyone feel loved.

A bouquet of lilacs from my garden, for you

Linking to Macro Monday, Through My Lens Monday, Our World Tuesday, Tuesday’s Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, My Corner of the World Wednesday 1, Little Things Thursday, Friday Bliss, Pink Saturday, All Seasons Sunday1, and Sunday Snap. Thanks so much for visiting here and hope to see you again soon!