Disney's new Aulani Hotel and Spa on Oahu

The new Aulani Hotel and Resort Spa... it spectacular in every aspect. White sand beaches, palm trees, lush landscape, green mountains and crystal blue water, a paradise for the entire family. This would be my dream vacation for this year. New, bright and modern. This will be on my To Go list... more info on all Disney sites. Enjoy this little spot of paradise, island style!

Kari's Fragrant Cloud Rose on Hood Canal

Absolutely fabulous! The scent of this lovely Rose fills the garden with the most beautiful aroma ever! Simple but so grand! Photo by Kari Scott, @ kariscottmusic.com

Lovely Pink Hydrangea

Pink Hydrangeas are a favorite summer bloom. Bold, lovely blossoms are always a great addition to any garden, in the ground or container... plant some in your northwest garden...photo:  Kari Scott, @ kariscottmusic.com

On a summer day in a Northwest Garden

On any given day in the Northwest... you can find all varieties of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetable gardens growing. This year it looks like we live in the jungle! The foliage is lush and green and the blooms are plentiful! Wow... we live in a gardeners paradise! I think I have more leaves and flowers than ever before. A cooler winter and lots of rain, changed our growing season. Most vegetable gardens are doing well also. Some say the crops will be a little later in the season, just depends on where your garden is. I'm hoping for a good amount of tomatoes, especially the small, sweet cherry size in both red and yellow(golden)... They were so good last year. And with the current grocery store prices I'm sure we will get our moneys worth from the seeds. On an interesting note: more vendors are in the farmers markets this season. Be sure to check out your local area for a market, new or old... they are lots of fun and have lots of products to choose from. Happy gardening in the northwest...Enjoy!

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

This is the lovely Poipu Beach on Kauai... Such a great place to take a stroll on the beach and watch the sun set. Crystal clear, clean, blue sea....perfect for swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing and fishing.. wow, doesn't get any better than that! Enjoy the time you spend in the islands...

Spring Iris Garden in the Northwest

This has been an exceptional year for Iris blooms in the Northwest. We are lucky to see their lovely blooms in all the splendor of spring. One of my favorite flowers found in our gardens. If you have even a small amount of space in your garden, these are a wonderful addition, always enjoy your garden!  photo: Kari Scott, @ kariscottmusic.com

Seattle Waterfront Park in the evening

This is a fab photo of the Waterfront Park, in Seattle Washington. So much to see and do everyday. Busy, Busy buy so scenic... a great place to walk... photo from Cvent.com

Brilliant Red Poppy

This photo was taken by Kari Scott, from her lovely garden. These are extra large poppies with very bold color...a summer stunner!  www.kariscottmusic.com

Mom's Iris Garden in the Spring

This is a lovely garden full of seasonal spring Iris... all varieties, all colors. Mom tends this every year and every year it gets better. My favorite spring flowers!  photo:  Kari Scott @ kariscott.blogspot.com

Golden Retreiver Mama and babies

My favorite mama dog and puppies... so precious and loving... great photo!

Whitetail deer in the city, Washington

As I sat on my deck having a cool glass of water, I noticed something moving in the Himalaya blackberry bush. To my surprise there were two large White tailed deer eating of the new shoots of the blackberries. They stood quietly while I sat quietly watching their movements. About 30 feet from me were two very muscular and stately creatures from the wilderness. A rare site in the city! Amazing deer... somehow they survive amongst the streets, homes and businesses. A lovely site to behold... photo from localhikes.com

Port Ludlow Marina, Washington

This is a small town on the water. A golf community, rest and relaxing abound. A Scenic wonderland. A great resort here also. Check it out for a weekend getaway...On the saltwater, with lots of fresh air...

How I became a Northwest Gardener

When I was a small child growing up in the country my parents showed us the gift of nature. The love of the outdoors was taught to us everyday. We had the most beautiful garden and fenced yard, carefully tended by my mother. She had so many wonderful varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees. Every color of the rainbow, in every season also. In the middle of this garden, my brothers and myself had a swing set and sandbox. Every child's dream! We would be outside from right after breakfast till almost dark. It was our " Garden Wonderful" I can remember picking blooms from this garden and replanting them in our sandbox. Oh, we liked that... we thought we were growing those pretty flowers! The days of summer were always a delight in that lovely garden. We were so fortunate to spend our time there learning of nature. Every spring day, I can hardly wait to pull a weed, trim a tree or plant a flower in my "Garden Wonderful" Nature is truly a blessing.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

The Iolani Palace, in Honolulu Hawaii is now on the registry of Historic Places. It is open for tours and is a must see on your next visit. A great place to stop and take a photo...

Surfer Gals in Hawaii, 1938

This is the ultimate " Surfer Girl" Hawaii photo... it was taken in 1938 for a National Geographic magazine. They were the best... Just shows that we women can do what ever we set our mind to accomplish! One of my very favorite Hawaiiana photos....

Hana Coastal Scenery, Maui Hawaii

Fab Hana, Hawaii.... been there so many years ago... still a rare beauty!

Purple Rhododendron

Blooming now in the Pacific Northwest.... gorgeous!

Kingston, Washington Wood Carvings

Kingston, Washington classic wood carvings... something really nice to see... great folk art in the Pacific Northwest... great place to see some unique art!

Kwanzan Cherry Tree, blossoms

This lovely variety is a favorite spring blooming tree. It is named after a mountain in Japan. Kwanzan Mountain... a truly beautiful scenic place... just like this tree. An ever lasting favorite of mine! Enjoy ever spring...

The Rosegarden at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, Washington

This rose garden is a true favorite of the northwest garden crowd. You can walk or drive and see these bountiful roses in all stages of blooming. A delightful place to spend a an afternoon admiring nature at its best! The zoo is fun too! Located in Tacoma, Washington. Season passes are available to the zoo. But the gardens are free! Enjoy...

"Capistrano" Yellow Rhododendron

A rare and beautiful natural, disease resistant spring rhododendron. " Capistrano" you can find it @ www.waysidegardens.com

Yellow Island Preserve, Washington State

Yellow Island Preserve is an island in Washington State. It is part of the San Juan island chain of land masses. It is now owned by the Nature Conservancy and maintained as a study area. It is home to over 50 species of native wildflowers in spring and summer. It is admired by ferry travelers for its scenic natural beauty. A rare treat of nature!

Mom's Spring Brick Garden

This is my mother's raised brick garden... we look forward to viewing this lovely garden every spring... Very colorful and always giving us a smile!

Bellevue Botanical Gardens

Bellevue Botanical Gardens is located in Bellevue, Washington. Just a short drive from Seattle. They have an ever changing display of native northwest plants, shrubs and trees. A truly scenic place to spend the afternoon...

Lummi Island, Washington

This is one of the most favored of the San Juan islands. Scenic beauty abound everywhere. This island is home to birds, marine life, artists, cottage industries and fab walks through the wilderness. A rare find for the nature person in all of us!

Spring Azure Blue Butterfly

This is a lovely spring butterfly called " Azure blue " photo is from www.healthyhomegardening.com

Spring flowers from Whidbey

These are a lovely mix of the best of spring blooms... Whidbey Islands flowers at their best! One of my favorite islands hosting my classic spring flowers... Enjoy!

Shelton, Washington

Shelton officially became incorporated in 1889 and has been growing ever since. This is a Tree community! Logging and milling are a wonderful part of its history. There is the annual Logging show, Forest Festival Parade, Oyster Fest and the Mason county fair ever summer. Shelton is also the county seat of mason county. Major shopping and eating are all apart of this cities culture. A landmark city you can visit, especially in summer!

Gum Tree Stump and spring daffodils

This is a Gum Tree stump and lovely spring daffodils, photo courtesy Mooseys country garden. Just like a breath of Sunshine...

Spring Daffodils

Daffodils have their own special place in my heart... They give us great hope after the long dark days of winter! The are a flower of the Sun. Bringing us the bright light of the ages. Maybe that is why they live on forever...

Washington State Coast

We can be living in one of the most scenic spots in America. The Washington State Coastal region is 360 miles long. It is the longest natural coastline in the country. Raw and natural beauty abound everywhere. A person can spend days exploring this place in paradise! Plan a day trip or a week... you will have a great time on the coast!

Washington State History Museum

This is a grand museum located in Tacoma, Washington. It helped with the redevelopment of the downtown Tacoma many years ago. Tourists and residents both can gain knowledge by visiting here. Parking is at a premium, but on a sunny day, not too bad. Nearby is the Chihuly glass museum and the Tacoma Art museum. Side by side so it is not too difficult to attend all three. A nice way to spend an afternoon!

Tacoma Art Museum

The Tacoma Art Museum, is busy everyday, year round. They display American, European and Asian art. Art is alive and well and living in Tacoma, Washington. On a recent visit they had a stunning display by the 20th century artist, Norman Rockwell. It was a feast for the eyes! Also a great display of Dale Chihuly art glass... It is a great way to spend an afternoon, gift store and small quaint cafe also. Enjoy!

Lynden, Washington

This is a wonderful city! Sometimes it is called " Little Amsterdam" for its charm and look. It is the second largest city in Whatcom country. So very close to Vancouver, Canada, an easy day trip from there. Quaint and interesting boutiques, restaurants and galleries line the streets. A great place to go for a family outing! Enjoy the day...

Kuekenhof Gardens, Netherlands

This is one of the best photos of a botanical garden I've ever seen! Stunning... The spring is a fabulous time to visit here.... Enjoy these special gardens in the Netherlands.

University of Washington Gardens

The University of Washington is located in Seattle, Washington. They have one of the best areas for gardens on a university campus. They feature every species of Trees and other native northwest plants. A truly beautiful campus garden for all to enjoy...

JP Patches and JP Patches Statue

JP Patches and Gertrude were icons in the Washington state area for many years. They had a television program on in the afternoons. It was silly, fun, imaginative and always filled the children with laughter. This statue is in Seattle as a tribute to both of them. They gave it their all!

Skagit Valley Daffodills

The Skagit Valley Daffodills are up and getting ready to bloom shortly! I always look forward to the first blooms of the spring season. They look like the sunshine is brightening the earth to bring us happiness after the darkness of winter. And yes, in the Skagit Valley spring is just around the corner! If you live close by, they have a wonderful festival every spring.

Baker Lake

Baker Lake is located in the Mt.Baker, Snoqualmie National Forest area. Close to the small town of Concrete, Washington. Scenic beauty abounds... Nature the way it looked over one hundred years ago. Fabulous in the spring and summer...

Butchart Gardens. B.C. Sunken Garden

This is a lovely garden located on the southern most part of Vancouver Island, B.C. It was formally a rock quarry that was transformed by the wife of the previous owner almost 100 years ago. Butchart Gardens has been a destination for world travelers, especially in the spring and summer. It is located near the city by the sea of Victoria. Both are a must see on your next trip north to Canada. Nature and city together at their finest!

View of Columbia River Gorge

This is another great view of the Gorge.... So vast and magnificent! A true wonder on this earth... I enjoy its splendor...

Summer Snapdragons

Every spring I try to plant these wonderful perennial blooming flowers. They have seeds in so many colors. I also buy the seedlings and transplant them directly into the garden. They grow quickly and also bloom all summer till late in the Fall if they are in a protected area. The best of these colorful blooms will return the following year through a natural reseeding process. One of my favorite summer blossoms! Photo courtesy of Sunset.com

Columbia River Gorge, Washington

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most scenic areas in Washington State. The views are spectacular, you can visit there any season of the year and see the abundance of raw natural landscape. The air and waterways are crisp and clean... could we ask for more? You will not be disappointed if you visit the Gorge! Enjoy!

Hybrid Rhododendrons

This very beautiful rhododendron comes to me courtesy of the University of Washington botanical gardens in Seattle, Washington. There you will find many varieties of azaleas, hawthorns, mountain ash, and all species of evergreens. The University prides itself on the studying of most native northwest species. One can see blooms on the campus February till June. Fabulous size and color, a feast for our eyes...

Front Yard Garden

Photo courtesy of foodrenegade.com Good idea for any front yard!

Front Yard Garden

Okay, who says that we have to only plant an edible garden in the back yard? Not me! Lush tropical looking tomato plants, tall lovely edible sunflowers, lush carrot tops, stalks of yummy corn, and lovely large leaves from the pumpkins and zucchini. Adorning the front landscape is so colorful and also a great use of space. This year as grocery prices rise everyday, why not plant in the front yard also. Use seeds or for a more showy plants sooner, purchase the seedlings early. You can plant as soon as the frost is gone. Your front yard will be the talk of the garden circuit! Sounds like fun! Get the kids involved and all of the neighborhood, you will be glad you did! Happy Gardening in the Northwest!

The arrival of Spring

Those of us who are avid gardeners always look forward to the day when our spring bulbs start breaking there way to the surface of the soil. It always makes me smile! It is the renewal of life after a long cool winter. The daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinths are a delight signaling the passing of winter. I love the change in the seasons!

Washington State Coast

Rugged, bold and beautiful...so scenic. Nice place to take a walk and enjoy the spectacular views...

Seattle Gum Wall

Okay, this is a little different! Just thought I'd like to share this unique part of the Seattle, Washington culture. This is in an older part of Seattle on Pike street. Every person that walks by is expected to place their chewing gum on the wall for the world to see. Many have been there more than one time. It is getting to be a very popular tourist attraction and the chewing gum display is getting larger all the time! A must see when you visit Seattle...

Hood Canal , Washington

This is my favorite place to be...

Sail boat on Hood Canal, Washington

Sailing on an inland sea...

Bald Eagle on Hood Canal, Washinton

Bald Eagle perched on a giant fir tree, located on Hood Canal Washington.

Admiralty Head Lighthouse

Fab photo of the evening sunset over the lighthouse.