Thursday, 1 October 2015

Tulip Top Gardens 2015

Last week we headed off to Tulip Top Gardens to complete our pilgrimages to celebrate Spring.

Tulip Top Gardens are a little way out of town (and in the next state) and they are open each year at the same time as Floriade.

Both are celebrations of spring.  Both feature tulips by the hundreds.  Both are in spectacular locations.  And they couldn't be more different.

Floriade is free to enter, and is becoming increasingly commercial in nature.
Tulip Tops charges $15 admittance to people over 16 (seniors get a discount of a dollar).  Included in that fee are unlimited cups of tea and coffee and for those who would like it a sausage sandwich (the skinny one had mine as well).

Floriade is a government initiative.
Tulip Top Gardens are the work of a single family - who put over a million bulbs in the ground each year by hand.

I go to both of them each year, but Tulip Top Gardens is first in my heart.  Like Floriade, when we went a lot of things were yet to bloom.  Just the same it was beyond beautiful.

Many, many, many photos follow.  And there are more which I won't inflict on you.  Yet.

Walking down the path to the gardens.


Looking to the right.

Looking to the left.


Looking straight ahead.


Now come wander with me to the waterfall.  Classical music is playing from the trees.  There are frogs in the water way.  The air is perfumed.  Birds are singing, and I came across one gentleman who was saying, wow, wow, wow.  And I wouldn't argue with him.

 







 Still walking, still revelling.





Love those pansy patterns..


To the glorious forsythia avenue, with an underplanting of pansies and violas.


Blossom trees (there are over 1000) and the walk to the lookout which I wonder each year whether I will be able to manage.





The reason I do that walk.



And just a few more shots from the ground again.






I liked those quirky flowers.  They are made of corrugated iron, and similar ones can be commissioned and purchased.




 

How clever that the underplanting of violas went right around the base of the tree.

Do you wonder that I love it?  

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139 comments:

  1. Alex J. Cavanaugh1 October 2015 at 05:17

    Stunning photos! Wow, so much in bloom.
    I'd like the family one better as well. Rather support a family trying to make money. Besides, free food and drink and all the flowers you can handle - what a deal.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:18

      Alex J Cavanaugh: I can't see how the family does make a profit. Bulbs are expensive, and they would have to buy some at least new each year. A labour of love?

      Delete
  2. dinahmow1 October 2015 at 05:50

    Well, that went well with the first espresso. You know what I loved best...thank you again.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:22

      dinahmow: I do know. And love the forsythia avenue myself.

      Delete
  3. Margaret Birding For Pleasure1 October 2015 at 05:57

    What a kaleidiscope of colour. Drinking in all this beauty surely would make you feel good

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:22

      Margaret Adamson: Both of us had smiles that threatened to split our faces.

      Delete
  4. mxtodis1231 October 2015 at 05:59

    OMG, what a beautiful place. Oh, how I wish I to there. Your pictures are fantastic.
    Mary

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:23

      mxtodis123 ~ Mary: It is a truly beautiful place, and I look forward to our visits every year.

      Delete
  5. carol in cairns1 October 2015 at 06:09

    I think Tulip Tops looks a lot more open than Floriade, that is what would appeal to me. The logistics in imagining and planting to get those results is something that I just can't imagine. But I love the results. Great pics EC!

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:25

      carol: I think it is a bit deceptive. Floriade probably has more open space, but Tulip Tops makes much better use of the natural terrain. The work involved staggers me. The owners are not spring chickens either.

      Delete
  6. Lee1 October 2015 at 06:13

    You could've had a "Wow" competition with the fellow, EC! A stunning floral display...thanks for sharing the beauty with us.

    Will the Skinny One be sharing his photos with us upon his return or will we have to bribe him? :)

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:25

      Lee: I have extracted a photo or two from his high and skinniness already - and have his permission to share.

      Delete
  7. Marty1 October 2015 at 06:42

    How wonderful that you are opposite us in seasons, so I can vicariously enjoy your spring. And my goodness, talk about sensory overload. I've never seen such endless gardens. You are fortunate indeed to have that in your corner of the world.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:27

      Marty Damon: I relish that opposite seasons thing too. In summer when I am a sad, soggy and grumpy mess I will relish pictures of cooler times...

      Delete
  8. Joanne Noragon1 October 2015 at 06:59

    And once again, thanks for spring. Keep it coming until summer.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:27

      Joanne Noragon: You may be sorry you said that. I don't need a lot of encouragment to post garden photos...

      Delete
  9. Author R. Mac Wheeler1 October 2015 at 07:02

    ohhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhh

    My mom visited Holland once upon a time and brought back zillions of bulbs. I wonder what happened to them once the water restrictions hit in El Paso and her back yard turned to sand.

    I hope she dug them up and bequeathed them...but she probably didn't.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:31

      Author R. Mac Wheeler: Even your colour hungry self would probably have had enough. I hope that your mama passed those bulbs on too. Mind you, they are astonishingly hardy if they find a spot they are happy in.

      Delete
  10. Bookie1 October 2015 at 07:14

    How totally beautiful these gardens are! The first picture of just the walk alone is as pretty as the ones of the flowers. What a treat....

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:31

      Bookie: It is an annual treat - and one I insist on.

      Delete
  11. A Cuban In London1 October 2015 at 07:44

    Your post is majestic, your photos are majestic, the "feel" is majestic. I loved this outing, really did. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:32

      A Cuban in London: Tit for tat - I loved travelling with you in your post today. Thank you.

      Delete
  12. kylie1 October 2015 at 07:49

    Unbelievably lovely!
    My favourite is where the blossom tree has the pink tulips under it, it's just such beautifully delicate colouring

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:33

      kylie: They have an incredible eye for colour and design don't they? And match it with an unbelievable amount of work.

      Delete
  13. Merlesworld1 October 2015 at 08:07

    It's all so beautiful.
    One year I will get there for a visit .
    Merle.............

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:34

      Merlesword: I hope you can - it really is worth the trip. Would the Beer Fairy like it?

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    2. Merlesworld2 October 2015 at 11:40

      Most likely, he like gardens of all sorts.
      Merle........

      Delete
    3. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 16:11

      Merlesworld: Oh good. Encourage him to bring you up this way...

      Delete
  14. Alexia1 October 2015 at 08:10

    I can't tell you how much I loved these photos, and how grateful I am that you shared them with us. What bliss! I couldn't possibly pick one over all the others. Thank you, my friend.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:35

      Alexia: Thank you. I felt a bit guilty for such a photo heavy post - but couldn't decide.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous1 October 2015 at 08:14

    I remember it from last year but it looks even better this year. It must be among the world's best. You captured it really well.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:35

      Andrew: On the world stage it is probably small beer - but it is unbelievably beautiful. Each year I think they can't top themselves - and they do.

      Delete
  16. e1 October 2015 at 08:31

    All the colors of the rainbow and then some...Thanks for taking us along. BTW, Yiddish and Hebrew are not the same...Best to you.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:36

      e: You are right. I was having a temporary abberration. You are also right about the rainbow display.

      Delete
  17. Mason Canyon1 October 2015 at 08:55

    Breathtaking and I can only image how gorgeous it would be in person. I'd have to say the Tulip Gardens would be my first choice as well. Amazing what that family is doing. Your photos are so beautiful, really beyond words.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:37

      Mason Canyon: It is simply stunning in person. Each and every year.

      Delete
  18. Margaret D1 October 2015 at 08:57

    Magnificent. I enjoyed your walk.
    What a feat to plant all by hand. Dedicated the family must be. Must be a wonderful job working out the colours and the patterns each year.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:38

      Margaret - whiteangel: My back, my knees, my joints and I bitch and whinge after planting a tiny proportion of the bulbs they do. I am beyond impressed. And amazed at their artistic eye as well.

      Delete
  19. Linda Starr1 October 2015 at 09:31

    I could walk there every day and sleep on a bed of flowers and drink from the cool pools. Over a month by yourself, hope you enjoy it and indulge every minute.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:40

      Linda Starr: The families home is just behind the lookout. The view they get would have me spellbound. The gardens are virtually weed free too - which my much smaller ones aren't.

      Delete
  20. Sandra Cox1 October 2015 at 10:48

    So beautiful and serene. What a perfect way to spend a day. At least they offer coffee and tea to offset the pain of the price.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:40

      Sandra Cox: I think the price is very reasonable. And if you count the tea and coffee (not to mention the sandwich) even cheap.

      Delete
  21. River Fairchild1 October 2015 at 11:10

    I could sit in that park and never move again. Stunning! One million bulbs and over a thousand trees? Incredible views. Love the corrugated flowers too. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 17:42

      River Fairchild: It was yet another of the days when I did too much - and I don't regret it at all. And have been snarling at my body for even mentioning it. My body is a philistine.

      Delete
  22. Snoskred1 October 2015 at 11:38

    I can see exactly why you love it, it is gorgeous! ;)

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  23. Anne in the kitchen1 October 2015 at 12:44

    I love experiencing your location through your beautiful photos. Thank you so much for sharing!

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:15

      Anne in the kitchen: I am so glad you liked our excursion.

      Delete
  24. Vicki1 October 2015 at 13:14

    Ohhhh, wow. Yes indeed.
    What a tonic these images are. Only topped off by actually being there, I'm sure. It is somewhere that I would love to visit.
    I stopped and stared for ages at the river of violas that wove around the tree. Beautiful.
    Thank you, EC. And, looking forward to more please :)

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:16

      Vicki: That river of violas was a brainwave wasn't it? I was awed. And I smiled at the man with his wows. And said Yes!

      Delete
  25. Whispermist1 October 2015 at 13:25

    Such a beautiful place to visit ... Happy Spring EC !

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:17

      Whisper Mist: Happy Fall to you - another of my favourite seasons.

      Delete
  26. jenny_o1 October 2015 at 15:00

    So much more than tulips, and everything so beautiful. Even the evergreens massed together in different shades of green - the family is artistic indeed.

    And your photographs bring it to us - thank you. I especially liked the shot of the pink and white blossoms against the blue sky, and the panoramic view from the hilltop.

    I, too, am looking forward to more photos.

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    1. jenny_o1 October 2015 at 15:56

      (I'm just realizing there are more kinds of trees in that hilltop view than just evergreens...!)

      Delete
    2. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:18

      jenny_o: The trees are incredible, the planting is incredible - and the sheer hard work which has gone into it blows my mind. They have made the very best of an already beautiful place.

      Delete
  27. River1 October 2015 at 15:38

    Oh, such gloriousness! I love the 12th photo with the conifers, the 16th with the pansy patterns and the 21st with that river of white. Also love the final picture with the underplanting of violas and those corrugated iron flowers are so wonderful. I'd like a few of those in my garden, for colour when nothing else is blooming.
    My Ixias are putting on a fabulous show right now.

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:19

      River: My ixias have diisappeared. Hopefully they will reappear. Gloriousness is a wonderful description - thank you. And I could find a home for the corrugated iron flowers too.

      Delete
  28. Strayer1 October 2015 at 15:45

    Oh my goodness, EC, I would go to that too! those photos are just beautiful, every one of them. Dazzling!

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:20

      Strayer: It is a delight every year. Well worth the trip.

      Delete
  29. CrimsonAnna1 October 2015 at 16:59

    I love these garden pics. Great to watch as we are approaching autumn in Sweden =)

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:21

      CrimsonAnna: I hope your autumn is vibrant and colourful - and winter gentle. My translate is refusing to function at the moment which is why I haven't been visiting.

      Delete
  30. Hilary Melton-Butcher1 October 2015 at 17:00

    Hi EC - no wonder you went to visit this amazing garden - what an incredible work of love and of art. Gosh I'd visit every day in Spring ... stunning views, photos and plants ... yes Spring here would be lovely - still better wait for six months! Enjoy ... so lovely to see - cheers Hilary

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:22

      Hilary Melton-Butcher: It is a beautiful place isn't it? As I said to CrimsonAnna, I hope your autumn is beautiful, and your winter gentle.

      Delete
  31. The Cranky1 October 2015 at 17:51

    Oh so beautiful, and no wonder you love it!

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 18:23

      Jacquelineand...: So much. Each and every year.

      Delete
  32. Ellie Foster1 October 2015 at 19:30

    Dear EC
    What a stunning garden! An amazing amount of work but how it pays off. Thank you for sharing your visit - I wish I could have been there!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Elephant's Child1 October 2015 at 19:51

      Ellie Foster: I would love to have been able to share that garden with rather a lot of people.

      Delete
  33. Kim1 October 2015 at 20:48

    wow wow wow I have to agree with the gentleman too. Your post has slowed my down to that 'savouring, awe, wonderment' space that can get a bit lost in the hustle and bustle.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:37

      Kim: Slowing down almost always pays dividends doesn't it?

      Delete
  34. DJan1 October 2015 at 22:32

    All I can say is what he did: Wow Wow Wow! Beautiful indeed. Thanks for the plethora of pictures. :-)

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  35. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe1 October 2015 at 22:38

    What a magnificent place to visit. I wish that it could always be spring.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:39

      Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: It is a true delight each and every time we go. I do love spring - but have a soft spot for autumn and winter too.

      Delete
  36. Myrna R.2 October 2015 at 00:01

    Oh how wonderful to immerse yourself in such beauty. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:39

      Myrna R.: We were almost drowing in beauty - and didn't struggle at all.

      Delete
  37. Unknown2 October 2015 at 03:34

    Waht a beautiful place. I would love to go there.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:40

      Teresa Hennes: So many people don't visit, who live close enough. Their loss.

      Delete
  38. New Release Books2 October 2015 at 06:37

    So beautiful. And peaceful.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:42

      New Release Books: It is. Both of those things. To the max.

      Delete
  39. 21 Wits2 October 2015 at 07:31

    Oh goodness inflict away, I enjoy all of your photos and could see more as well. It truly amazing to see such beautiful blossoms like these, (bursting with beauty and life) and all the creative designs that others skillfully and loving place together. Even the quirky flowers were a treat. Thank you for bringing us here.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:43

      Karen S.: There is always room for quirky in my life. And I thought the quirky blended very well with the beautiful.

      Delete
  40. Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer2 October 2015 at 07:41

    Although I love the gardens, the blossoms are just stunning!!!

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:44

      Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: I love them both, and am happy to see them together.

      Delete
  41. Shammickite2 October 2015 at 08:38

    Absolutely stunning, I love the yellow and purple together.
    Did you know that the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, has a huge tulip festival in the spring (N Hemisphere spring!!!) and the thousands of tulip bulbs are sent from Holland every year as thanks for Canada harbouring the Dutch Royal family during WW2.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 08:44

      Shammickite: I didn't know that. I will have to investigate when spring reaches your hemisphere. Thank you.

      Delete
  42. Susan Kane2 October 2015 at 09:13

    Wow, wow, wow...
    A million bulbs a year by one family? Amazing.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 10:40

      Susan Kane: Unbelievable isn't it? They must have backs and knees of iron.

      Delete
  43. Birdie2 October 2015 at 12:02

    I can see why you love it! I love it and its only pictures. Thank you for sharing then with us. :-)

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 16:13

      Birdie: It was a really windy day when we went, but tucked down in the valley the sun shone, the wind became a breeze and it was blissful.

      Delete
  44. molly2 October 2015 at 13:09

    So beautiful! When everything is fading here it's starting up afresh with you....

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 16:14

      Molly: Spring has reached us with a vengeance. Summer (pushy tart that she is) is trying to push her out the way. I hope Spring triumphs for a while yet.

      Delete
  45. Anonymous2 October 2015 at 14:03

    Oh. my. goodness! What gorgeous gorgeous shots! Heavenly.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 16:14

      ladyfi: It is a heavenly spot. Anywhere the camera was pointed there was magic.

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  46. Lux G.2 October 2015 at 16:29

    I can get lost in that garden for a long long time and I won't mind. :)

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 18:46

      Lux G.: We did spend a long time there - and didn't regret it for an instance. The owners live at the top of the hill, and I envied them.

      Delete
  47. H.R. Bennett2 October 2015 at 17:46

    This is just...wow. Stunning? Amazing? Breathtaking? I want to go there so bad!

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 18:46

      Robert Bennet: It is all of those things. I am so grateful that we can visit each year.

      Delete
  48. Geo.2 October 2015 at 17:58

    Wonderful horticultural effects! Here (California), we have "Daffodil Hill" in Volcano but it does not equal your tulip-based exhibition. Thanks for the cheerful and colorful photos.

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 18:48

      Geo: They usually have more daffs than they did this year. I would love to see Daffodil Hill - and will try and track it down when spring reaches your part of the world.

      Delete
  49. Bob Bushell2 October 2015 at 18:19

    Those are pretty flowers, colourful and well sited.

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  50. librarygirl2 October 2015 at 19:36

    Incredible! I would be walking around with my mouth open!

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    1. Elephant's Child2 October 2015 at 21:01

      librarygirl: We do. Every year. Our mouths open and huge smiles - such an attractive picture.

      Delete
  51. Granny Annie2 October 2015 at 21:08

    Oh me, oh my, thanks for such beautiful pictures to kick-start October!

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:44

      Granny Annie: I hope your October is equally (but differently) beautiful.

      Delete
  52. Dawn@Lighten Up!2 October 2015 at 23:39

    Wow wow wow. :)
    Love violas. My favorite!!

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:45

      Dawn@Lighten Up!: My favourite changes with the winds but I do love violas and pansies. And forsythia. And tulips....

      Delete
  53. Kim@stuffcould....3 October 2015 at 00:44

    My what beauty! Looks like a dream world. Enjoyed seeing all the Spring life

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:46

      Kim @ Stuff could...: The very best kind of dream.

      Delete
  54. Susan Flett Swiderski3 October 2015 at 01:47

    Wow! All of that beauty in one place must be absolutely breathtaking. It's a joyous explosion of spring, and I defy anyone to look at it without saying at least one heartfelt WOW.

    Have a terrific weekend.

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:47

      Susan: I turned to the wow man and said YES! He smiled, I smiled and we went on our way, revelling in the beauty.
      A wonderful weekend to you too.

      Delete
  55. All Consuming3 October 2015 at 07:17

    The blossom! I am a blossom freakoid. I love it, all the white and the pink, and those trees that look as though they have long fingers of blossom are not seen round these parts at all, I love them! Gorgeous photographs as ever, and to see spring as we head into autumn is a fine thing. Thank you dearie x

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:48

      All Consuming: I haven't been able to find out what the fingers of blossom are attached to. When I do, I will plant some. Several no doubt.
      Love the term blossom freakoid. Snap.

      Delete
  56. HBF3 October 2015 at 09:39

    Gorgeous. I cannot wait to visit the tulips in Mt. Vernon next spring.... but I am enjoying the hush of fall :) Glad you got to enjoy all that gorgeousness! Thanks for sharing, the photos are a warm mini-vacay!

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:49

      HBF: I hope less tiring that your last vacation as well. As I look through the photos again I can't help smiling. Sooooo beautiful.

      Delete
  57. DMS3 October 2015 at 11:03

    Absolutely glorious! Such a beautiful show of colors. Spring is so pretty. I can't believe that the work is one by a family. I can see why you love to visit. Such colors! :)
    ~Jess

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:51

      DMS ~ Jess: The couple who started it did it on their own for several years - and they are not spring chickens. Enlisting the family is relatively new. I am still in awe that they can do it. And so very grateful.

      Delete
  58. Cloudia3 October 2015 at 12:24

    Gasp! I loved walking neath the blossoms with you!

    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral

    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 12:51

      Cloudia: It is a wonderful walk isn't it? Perfumed and beautiful.

      Delete
  59. PremI3 October 2015 at 12:38

    Aww this is so beautiful! Made my morning pleasant!!

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  60. RasmaSandra3 October 2015 at 16:20

    Thank you for the most lovely walk through the colorful beauty. Wonderful pictures. Enjoyed this and made me want to hop right on over.

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 19:06

      Rasma Raisters: It really is every bit as beautiful as it seems.

      Delete
  61. lynners3 October 2015 at 16:49

    Wow, wow, wow! indeed. Beautiful, I love those cherry trees, they look like rockets of blossom, like daytime fireworks. Lovely, thanks for sharing these pictures.

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 19:07

      lynners: And the work involved!!! I still can't get over one family doing it all by hand. Yes the trees stay there year after year but all those bulbs, and the annuals...

      Delete
  62. orvokki3 October 2015 at 17:39

    Just a fantastic magnificent place, all the flowers are so beautiful and they are so many. Spring is really there. It was lovely walk with you and look all these beauty.
    Hugs

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    1. Elephant's Child3 October 2015 at 19:07

      orvokki: A week or so later I expect that there is even more out - and that it is still beautiful.

      Delete
  63. mshatch3 October 2015 at 22:09

    Wow, wow, wow is right. Those blossoming trees are breathtaking.

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    1. Elephant's Child4 October 2015 at 05:34

      mshatch: The crab apple trees weren't even out. Heavily in bud, but not out. The confetti of petals must be amazing by now.

      Delete
  64. Cindi4 October 2015 at 12:42

    so stunning and beautiful. i will have to revisit often when we are in the dead of winter with 3 feet of snow just to remind myself that "this too shall pass" and our spring will soon arrive as well.

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    1. Elephant's Child4 October 2015 at 15:22

      Cindi Summerlin: I hope your Spring is just as spectacular.

      Delete
  65. rhymeswithplague6 October 2015 at 00:25

    A glorious sight on a beautiful, sunny Spring day! Thank you. I needed that, having just returned from a family funeral and several days straight of pouring rain.

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    1. Elephant's Child6 October 2015 at 10:41

      rhymeswithplague: I am glad it helped - and would very happily take some of your rain.

      Delete
  66. Riot Kitty6 October 2015 at 06:51

    There are those gorgeous fringed tulips again! We don't have those here.

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    1. Elephant's Child6 October 2015 at 10:41

      Riot Kitty: They are thriving in our garden at the moment. I will send you some photos.

      Delete
  67. Lynn7 October 2015 at 21:37

    Amazing! Love that they play music from the trees. I'd want to be there all the time.

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    1. Elephant's Child8 October 2015 at 16:12

      Lynn: It is truly glorious isn't it? I could happily spend days and days there.

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  68. neena maiya (guyana gyal)9 October 2015 at 02:35

    That is the most amazing experience I've had, just sitting here in my little apartment. So much beauty.

    I kept thinking too about the work. But then, gardening is not work when you love it, is it? It's the most exhilarating thing we can do.

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    1. Elephant's Child9 October 2015 at 05:48

      neena maiya (aka guyman gyal): It is SUCH a beautiful place. This gardener does see the work. Blood, sweat and tears go into my garden - but they are a distant memory by the time the work comes into fruition.

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