Saturday, January 14, 2017

Bayview Arbor

We are sitting at home with an ice storm outside.
 Christmas is behind us,  the tree is down and back
  in the attic and I'm yearning for 
Spring already! 
One of my favorite things to do on a winter's weekend is
 to revisit our vacation destinations
 through our photos.  It's an escape from the cold dreary days that seem to linger in January and February and reminds of  the places we love.



Our visit to Whidbey Island in Washington  included
  a stop at  the well known Laburnum Arbor
 in the Bayview Farm and Garden Center.






I've seen photographs of the arbor in garden calendars,   books and magazines and thought it must be in a large botanical garden somewhere.  When vacation planning I discovered the arbor was growing in the middle of a retail garden center outside a charming town we would be visting.   


We hope to revisit again when the laburnum is in full bloom but here is a picture of my hubbie under the 
arbor in July.  The laburnum also known as 
'Golden Chain Tree' blooms in the spring.  The trees have been trained onto an arch support.  When looking at the photos I originially thought these were prolific vines.    


 I would love to be a loyal customer if we lived nearby.  
The selection and quality of their plants was impressive.  The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable, even giving me advice for my garden in Oklahoma. 


I'm a hydrangea lover and wish I could easily
 get these varieties at home.
This is 'Bobo'



The panicle hydrangeas are stunning!





The Flower House Cafe within the  garden center 
 serves homemade soups, sandwiches and 
wonderful coffees.   










The garden center was a delight to visit in July with so many beautiful flowers and plants in bloom. 


















The dahlias were huge and throughout Whidbey Island I noticed dahlias growing in gardens and in bouquets for sale at farm stands.



    

Hope you enjoyed the armchair tour of Bayview on Whidbey Island.  The area is beautiful with so much to do and see. 
 It's so worth the journey!



 Peace out and stay warm and safe!