As many of my blog readers know, I frequently visit my favorite botanical garden, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG), located in Federal Way. The garden now has available their new 2016 calendar, and two of my floral images are featured: the image for December and the front cover image. You can purchase a copy at the garden gift shop or on-line.

It’s been about 3 months since I last visited the garden due to the prolonged, hot weather and drought we experienced this past summer. Some of the trees and plant specimens took a beating as a result. The hot sun literally burned some of the foliage. I do hope some of the specimens spring back to life in due time. Many of the garden species are specifically acclimated for our Pacific Northwest climate and are not used to a hot, dry climate. Below are some flowering rhododendron species currently blooming in the conservatory, as well as some other foliage around the garden.

These next two images are of the fascinating and lovely Agapetes, a flowering shrub  species of Eastern Himalaya.

I’ll be returning to the garden in about a month to check in on the leaf color. There are many species of Japanese Maples in the garden that turn gorgeous colors during autumn. In the meanwhile, I am enjoying the lovely, sunny autumn days we’re experiencing this week. Hope you are, too!

All photos property of Peggy A Thompson

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