Bellevue Gardens With Linda

We were originally planning to spend some time at Linda and Tom's place and then head out to Bellevue Gardens. However, since rain was forecasted for midday, we decided to do the gardens first.

Just like with DJan of DJan-ity, it was like I'd already known Linda of Linda Letters for years.















Tom drove us to Bellevue and reminded us that these were not cherry blossoms, but crab apple blossoms.

We were astounded at how much Tom and Linda knew about all the plants in the garden. Art remarked later how surprised he was that Tom often knew the Latin names as well. I love this rock sculpture.

Tom said this Cypress tree was doing naturally what bonsai growers are always trying to do with wires. Tom and Art have a love of bonsai in common. The peonies were also in bloom.

The daffodils were past their prime.

I don't know what this purple flower is. I'll have to ask Linda or Tom.

And look at the sky! We couldn't believe it! No rain!

My brother, Dennis took this photo. All the photos from my posts were taken by either myself, Art or Dennis. I haven't paid attention to who the photographer was....unless it's especially wonderful. In which case, I hope it was me. 











This is a red trillium. I didn't know they came in different colors.  I thought they were only white.

And of course we had to stop at the Japanese garden. Mom was loving all of it. Linda told mom her mother's name was also Violet. Linda and I have so much in common. We were both teachers. We both have two children, a girl and then a boy, we're liberals... 

This area had a lot of indigenous plants and the biggest skunk cabbages I've ever seen.

After our wonderful visit at Bellevue Gardens we went back to Tom and Linda's house.

Linda showed us the gardening shed that Tom built.

As beautiful as Bellevue was, when we returned home mom said she was most impressed with Linda and Tom's gardens.

I'd already seen so much of this on Linda's blog, but I LOVED seeing it in person.

Dennis and Art were really amazed at the gorgeous glass flower ornaments that Linda and Tom had created.

Art loved talking to Tom and learning more about gardening.















We were really, really impressed with the espalier trees at the fence line. I can't imagine how much work that took.  Wow!

And here are the women. I have no idea where the men went. It's easy to get lost in their large yard.










Tom brought over this mouse plant and showed it to mom saying it was a mouse.  She actually jumped when she looked at the flower.

People who read Linda's blog will not be surprised to see this beautiful table.

Linda had the most delicious rhubarb coffee cake and fruit salad. Absolutely YUM!

We really enjoyed seeing Linda and Tom's beautiful home. It's so perfectly laid out and they have the most incredible collection of collectibles. 

Once we got back to the hotel it started raining in earnest.

Dinner was at Denny's which was right next door and it was surprisingly good. We've eaten at Denny's before and wasn't impressed, but this time we really enjoyed our meal.



All in all, a thoroughly wonderful day!