Respite From the City at Gull Lake

A day trip to Gull Lake offered a most necessary respite from the city.  Calm winds, smooth waters, family, picnic.... Missing the one son who was absent (Vancouver is a long way from which to travel for a picnic.  Besides, he was spending the weekend at the Okanagon Valley).    

Here are some photos of the scenery at Gull Lake.  The day was exquisite!

A storm is stirring on the horizon as the sun sets over the lake.  We could see lightning on the far side but no thunder yet.

Cloudy skies made for a brilliant sunset; the pinks and yellows reflected in the lake below.

Once the wind picked up we hurriedly packed up our things and were on the road when the first raindrops fell.  It was a harrowing drive.  Southbound on the opposite side of the divided highway, fire crews, an ambulance and several police cars were at the scene of a vehicle fire.  We all wondered if it had been struck by lightning.  Traffic southbound was backed up a few kilometres.  We sure hope there were no casualties.

After a white knuckle drive through sporadically heavy rain and lightning, we arrived back in the city which hadn't received the storm.  Traffic was heavy even in the city on a long weekend Saturday night.

While it's good to be home and we are so grateful to have arrived safely, I find myself yearning for the beach.  Another day.

Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!

Weekend Reflections

Propagating Hydrangeas

The Most Annoying Weed Ever

I inherited a lawn full of these "beauties!"

#dandelion

The Week in Retrospect

Today we stopped at the Fringe Festival after going to the Farmers' Market in Strathcona.  Here's a bit of the act we enjoyed.

At the Farmers' Market:

Something I want to check out is this Land Trust.  

The opportunity didn't arrive today.

Same performer as in the video above, 

this time juggling fiery batons.

Earlier this week we had some errands to do and of course I had to take photos.  I love to see the efforts of the city and businesses alike to beautify the area.  Here are just a few examples:

The city is removing trees that didn't make it through the winter.  Sadly these trees were planted last summer in the park across the street from us but for whatever reason a good majority of the pines died and have been replaced by deciduous trees.

Annabelle Hydrangeas are blooming prolifically.

Tree lined streets and planters with a combination of canna lilies and trailing plants brighten the boulevards.

I miss having Purple Fountain Grass in my planters.  Next year I must plant them again.  Look how stunning they are with their fluffy heads.  Sweet potato vine and a trailing petunia or superbells (Calibrachoa), not sure which.  I took the photo from across the street.

Another street side planting en masse.  I don't know what this flower is with the red spikes but I like it as a specimen plant!

These shops and/or shop windows were seen while strolling down Whyte Avenue mid-afternoon.  The car was in for an inspection so hubby and I took advantage of the time to take a stroll.

This is one HUGE runner!

A weekend reflection, above.

I really like the architecture of some of the buildings in this area of town.

Murals are not uncommon sites, from boxes to sides of buildings.  Better than graffiti and it pays a tribute to the arts community which thrives in this city.

The old post office building is now occupied by local businesses, including a restaurant on the main level.

And last but not least, a rollerblading guitar playing man.

Hope you are enjoying a lovely August weekend.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Weekend Reflections
Our World Tuesday

Greenland Garden Centre Part III Going Indoors and a Peek at the Tree Nursery

In the adjoining courtyard between the greenhouse and the exterior tree nursery one can be lulled by the soft trickle of water in the fountains and water features.  Some outdoor furniture and decorations add to the outdoor room atmosphere.

A peek at the tree nursery...

In the rose house....

Evergreens....

Trees.... a beautiful oak 

An overview of a few trees and shrubs as seen from the perennial house...

Perennials....

Ligularia, above and below  (Rocket above, possibly Britt-Marie Crawford below)

Grasses....

More perennials and a lovely clematis...

Japanese Painted Fern above and astilbe below...

Ablaze in colour, lilies and daisies and more....

 Beautiful arches.....

I love this white garden vignette:

Terrific ideas for planters.... there's always next year....

Orchids:

Edibles:

Planters:

Decorating:

Above, my favourite scented sachet at Greenlands.

Cute and different....

Houseplants.... orchids and bromeliads, ferns too....

I've wanted to successfully grow a bonsai for a long time.....

 Cozy place to enjoy the garden....

Wall planters...art...and more wall planters

I love this painting that hangs in the gift shop area.  It's colours are dynamic and alluring and yet relaxing.

If you stop by Greenland Garden Centre in Sherwood Park, I highly recommend the cinnamon buns served at the Garden Cafe.  Best I've had in years!!!

This ends the tour of Greenland Garden Centre and Botanical Garden for 2014.  It's always a "treat" to pay a visit.  Hope you found some inspiration and enjoyment along the way.

Weekend Reflections