We live just a short walk from one of the nicest parks in the county. It’s especially beautiful in the spring. During a normal year (which this is definitely not), there would have been a 10 day long Lilac Festival. But the truth of the matter is, had it occurred, none of the lilacs would have been in bloom, and it would have been nasty and cold. May’s weather has been bizarre. We walked in the snow twice, and this past week it was 90°. But . . . the park is now in full bloom. Earlier in the week the lilacs were at their peak. The park was too crowded for our tastes, so we walked among the lilacs and stayed off the sidewalks. It was easy to stay a good social distance apart.
We’re at the park every year, and yet, I don’t think I’ve ever come across this variety (“Sensation”). It’s one of the most beautiful in the park.
Later in the week, many of the lilacs had started to fade, but there was still lots of beauty to be seen. Only about 50% of the rhododendrons are in bloom, but this one is gorgeous.
I think there is only one of these trees in the park, and it’s the first time I’ve seen it in bloom. It’s called a Goldenchain tree—perfect name!
Most of the magnolias have come and gone, but this beauty was still there.
This is always one of my favorite spots in the park. The azaleas are in full bloom.
These rhododendrons are beautiful, too.
And this is our parting view as we walk down a set of steps to the street that takes us back to our neighborhood.
I hope this tour makes up for some of my bitter complaining this spring when all the beauty seemed out of our grasp. It certainly lifts my spirits!
A beautiful walk & thank you for taking us along. It has been a very weather bizarre month & on this last day of May 2020, we are being warned about frost! Thankfully my annuals have still not been potted up, so easy to protect. The neighbourhood lilacs are just coming to peak so I must walk there so I can get a whiff of their beautiful scent.
Gorgeous Karen! My mom’s favorite was the lilacs on the bush in our backyard in Elmira. She would cut them every year and bring them in the house and they smelled wonderful! Lilacs don’t seem to be so big around here. I miss them. Glad Spring finally made it to you!
P.S. Thanks for my beautiful birthday card!!!!
What a gorgeous park in which to walk! I wish I had a place like that. I love the scent of lilacs and have decided I need to plant some in my yard. Thanks for a beautiful tour while we’re still mostly staying at home.
An absolutely stunning park. How wonderful to see all the different kinds of lilac – well worth your patience, following the weird weather. Here too the lilacs and rhododendrons have had a very good year. I haven’t got around to posting my photos of the latter yet. That Goldenchain tree – we call it a laburnum and I love them – but the seed pods are poisonous so beware!
WOW, Karen, thank you! we haven’t seen azaleas or rhodies in weeks, and of course it’s hot for lilacs. I so enjoyed seeing all the pretty blooms!
Wow…what a beautiful place. Gorgeous photos and I love all the beautiful cards you’ve been making!❤️
Your walk is incredibly beautiful. It must be wonderful to have this park within walking distance. Our walk around Pittock Mansion a few weeks ago reminds me of your photos. We’re about a month ahead of you. I was hoping to go to the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens 20 miles north of Portland for their Lilac Days but it was cancelled due to the virus.
What a beautiful park! I feel like I’ve had a little outing in nature just viewing your beautiful photos! Thanks so much!
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