The sky above the gardens this day matched my mood, but it also kept the afternoon from becoming too hot. Seventy-eight acres of natural woodland and wide open meadows returned my gaze at the entrance, and I had never before seen such a spectacular field of California poppies staring right back at me.
Having never visited, I had my expectations. But as The Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens website explains, the native garden is not "just another place with open space and pretty flowers."
It is the sort of place to wander: an invitation to meditation, or education, or both. And almost involuntarily, I gave myself over.
We had gone on a whim, as some of the best jaunts begin. The parking was impossible. Why so busy on a random Wednesday morning?
Turns out it was Senior Day with no entrance fee! But as we moved past the entering crowd, the winding paths and secret spaces opened themselves up.
I was eager to capture the variety and detail...
but this less than sharp photo makes me want to try my hand at an impressionistic painting!
However, no picture can capture the scent nor the stillness; a peace broken only by the trickle of water, the call of a bird, or one's lone thoughts. . . .
"Granny's Bench"
Oxalis
"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth."
Henry David Thoreau
Peace to you in all your wanderings,
Jacqueline
Go for the impressionist painting! What a pretty place and what a gorgeous mosaic wall. Thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteOh Jaqueline what a beautiful place. It is like walking in a painting. How gorgeous. Love that Granny bench so pretty. What a beautiful day for weather and enchantment. Thank you for taking us along with you. I bet the smells and sounds were amazing. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your jaunt! What a delightful place - one delight after another!
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful, Jacqueline. I have never been but have seen many places similar in California. Those redwoods are truly fantastic, especially seeing them through another's eyes. Living in California we probably take them for granted more than we ever should..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI always love gardens. Here in Oregon we have several to visit. One of the largest and most lovely is the Oregon Gardens in Silverton.
ReplyDeleteSheer blissful blessings, this poetic artistic share.
ReplyDeleteThank you from a deep part of my heart.
You are right -- the best photos are the memories of the heart with all the texture of the senses that goes with them. That said, there is little you could add to these gorgeous photos (except maybe smell!) that would make them any more lovely. It looks like a wonderful spot to meditate, be in nature with your thoughts. I'm so glad you visited.
ReplyDeleteBreath-taking!What glories we have in our country. Beautiful photos. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful garden! Thank you for sharing your visit with us. I love poppies and redwoods.
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