May is just about gone and, along with it, our lovely spring flowers. We’re so blessed in our corner of the world here in Western Washington to have such exuberant flora. (We’ve got the rain all winter long to thank for that.) I made what could be my last trip for the season to the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, in Federal Way. I wanted to see if there were anymore Blue Poppies still hanging around. Sadly, most of them had come and gone. There are still some rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom, but I wouldn’t wait too many more days to check them out. What I did notice a lot of were the Primulas, along with other late season blooming plants. In the Rutherford Conservatory, there are some magnificent, tropical varieties of rhododendrons currently in bloom. I even spotted some pretty orchids. I’ll start with the tropical species of rhododendrons found blooming right now in the Rutherford Conservatory. These are really big, beautiful blooms!
Here are some lovely, white orchids.
And these tiny, yellow orchids.
Now, let’s move to the outdoors. I’ll comment only if I know what the plant species is.
Loved the way this Iris bloom was growing with the ferns!
I found these small plants growing out of the moss. Each plant had one, tiny blossom.
Rodgersia pinnata – heavy, sweet fragrant floral plumes
Here is a preview of what will be blooming in the garden in June: the Giant Himalayan Lily. Already there is one stalk that is blooming. More will be on the way in a few weeks.
I hope you enjoyed my walk through the garden. On the way out (or in), just outside the garden near the parking lot, I encountered these beautiful Golden Chain blooms.
All photos copyright of Peggy A Thompson
Our Lady of the Flowers
Spring is such a beautiful time of the year….you always wish the blooms and blossoms will stay longer
You are so right, Janaline! I love spring, and it seemed to go by really quick this year. Always so sad to say goodbye to the flowers.
Hard to pick favourites, but if I had to, I’d go with the Himalayan blue poppy.
Always seems to be the favorite of many! Love that blue! Thanks, William!
Our rhododendrons and azaleas are long past their blooming season down here. Lovely shots and can’t get enough of that Himalayan blue poppy!
Thanks, Gunta! Yes, everyone loves those Blue Poppies!