I learned the fancy word for what a lilac flower is: a panicle. Seems like a nice, strong word for a flower with such a remarkable shape and fragrance. Unforgettable. The ones in my front yard are finally beginning to bloom. Thank heaven for the garden.

Double lilac flowers decorate the sky.

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I was at the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle not too long ago and saw this rosette of a succulent in the Cactus House. Did you know they are having later hours for the summer? I’m so excited to hear that. Their new space with the tile floor is so beautiful (see below). Don’t you want to just sit there and read a book?

Rosette of hen-and-chicks sedum succulent at the Volunteer Park Conservatory

Seasonal House at the Volunteer Park Conservatory after remodel

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These sweet and strange fritillaria bulbs have been coming up in my garden like champs. The checkered patterns on the sides are so extraordinary that when I first saw a drawing of them, I thought it was a joke. Now that I can grow them in my garden, I love the tops like paper lanterns and their lovely, nodding stems. So shy, so strange.

Frittilaria (checkered tulips) nod their heads, in a rainy flowerbed

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I’m still enjoying the flower photos I took at the NW Flower & Garden show in Seattle last month. Soon I’ll get outside and show what’s starting out there as spring slowly arrives. But these deep purple anemones, paired with pansies, are so perfect and lovely that I just can’t resist.

Purple anemone just coming into bloom

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That effect where only some of the photo is in focus is always a neat one. I think it’s kind of the way the eye sees, having the brain pay attention to only one aspect of things at a time. Anyway, this pretty crocus with a bright orange center was blooming on this date two years ago, and I bet there are a few out there right now.

White crocus with purple stripes, up close and personal

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At the NW Flower & Garden Show in Seattle that just ended, the theme was Hollywood, and I believe the name of this giant monolith of a display was Sunset Strip. Maybe because it is kind of the colors of the sunset? It was at least 4 or 5 feet tall. Here’s a piece of the center section.

A rainbow of flowers at the bouquet competition in the NW Flower & Garden Show

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Well, the NW Flower & Garden Show in Seattle is over until next year. We had a lot of fun, met some wonderful people, and sold some books, jewelry and prints. Here is a photo I took of one of the florist competition bouquets. Such loveliness.

Lavender roses and orchids in a lovely NWFGS bouquet

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I know I’m rushing the season, but coming across these pinkish lavender lilacs I just had to post them. They bloomed in April in 2010 and maybe we’ll see lilacs in April this year, too. Right now that seems impossibly far away. Breathe that scent deep, now!

Old fashioned lilacs blooming in April 2010

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Yet another view of the scenic overlook near my house. This was taken on this date a couple of years back. Have a great weekend!

Scenic overlook of Puget Sound at dusk in Normandy Park, Washington

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This soft pink hellebore, or helleborus, flower, was in a Garden Club flower show. Aren’t they just the most romantic flowers? And blooming in early February, to boot. The ones in my garden are not this far along, but they’ll get there.

Pretty pink hellebore at a Garden Club flower show

Participating at Today’s Flowers, My Romantic Home, Floral Friday, Weekend Flowers, NF Blo-Ma Tuesday, Pink Saturday, Monday Mellow Yellows, Photog Friday, Catching the Light Monday, and Macro Monday. Please click on Sara’s Fave Photos Blog above for more photos. Thanks so much for visiting, and hope to see you again soon.