Touring day

The month of June is treasured by gardeners around the country for many reasons, not the least of which is "touring season."  In Colorado, the Garden Tours kick off the first weekend of the month and span every weekend till the last, all within easy driving distance.  What's not to love about that?   I mean, have you ever met a gardener who didn't jump at the chance of an intimate peek around another garden?  I haven't.  There is inspiration to be found no matter the style, type, etc., and it absolutely abounded in the private gardens I was fortunate to tour yesterday.

A small disclaimer before we begin tho ~ once again, I charged my camera battery and armed myself with good intentions but failed you, just as I did last year, on taking photos of what I viewed.  I should just consider abandoning the idea of photographing while touring ~ it seems beyond my abilities.  Too much to look at, too much talking going on, etc., etc.  Please accept my humble apologies and meager offerings of the sights I did capture.

Gorgeous Tree peony greeted us at the starting point (I would really, really, really love to try one of these again):

The only long shot of a garden I took ~ this backyard was situated on a slope, not a stitch of grass but rather a very tasteful mix of flowers, vegetables and this enchanting fountain. 

The cooling sounds of water were very welcome as you can see from the photo, the sun was blazing in a cloudless sky.  Temperatures were in the low 90's, a very warm day to be strolling about a hillside.  I definitely got my exercise but enjoyed every minute of it.

A wonderful little garden shop visited at the end of the tour:

I could have spent a small fortune inside.  My, oh my. Since I don't have a small fortune, I came away instead with two small but nonetheless thrilling purchases ~ glass pond floats!

Aren't they cute?  You can be sure these will be photographed many times over in the future.  I am thinking the fish & tadpoles will enjoy them too, what do you think?

After a refreshing lunch, the day ended with stops at two greenhouses.  A more perfect day cannot be found...

One of my purchases, nothing exotic, I just couldn't resist.  They looked like white roses instead of begonias.  Today, they'll be planted along with the few other purchases that were made ~ among which are a pot of Siberian Iris.  We saw groups of these everywhere on the tour and they were fabulous.  Another thing tours are good for ~ making you wonder why you don't have this or that in your own garden??  and then stimulating the economy by running out to buy said item(s)!!!  ha.  I did my part, are you doing yours??!!!  ;-)

Comments

[Nancy Bond]

Those pond floats are beautiful -- just like big glass bubbles. :) All your photos are lovely, and I especially love the garden with the fountain...that's my style of garden!

[Dana]

The floats are perfect Kathleen. I'm so glad you found them. It was a wonderful day of touring with you!

[Northern Shade]

I love double begonias, and stuck one in every one of my pots this year. Their large multiple petals show up well.

It sounds like a fun tour. The fountain garden seems to have a lot to explore.

[Kala]

Beautiful shot of the tree peony blossom and the begonias as well. Looks like you had a lovely visit Kathleen!

[Sweet Bay]

Sounds like a wonderful day! The garden shop looks so charming. I love the pond floats.

[Noelle / azplantlady]

Oh, I just love the fountain! It is hard to enjoy a garden tour and take pictures at the same time. I have a hard time doing it :-)

[Window On The Prairie]

Non-stop blooming begonias- aren't they just beautiful?
Suzanne

[marnie]

I wished we lived closer. I would give you a truck load of Siberian Iris:)

Love the shiny floats.

The tour photos you did remember to take are really nice. The fountain and surrounding gardens look very interesting.
Marnie

[Racquel]

Lovely shots Kathleen, I love the long one of that fabulous garden with that beautiful fountain. So many ideas to be discovered on these tours huh? :) I love your finds, it's always nice to bring some goodies home. Thanks for stimulating the econony, lol, every little bit helps!

[tina]

That was a lovely tour. You did great capturing this garden. I love the English look of it. Your begonia-stunning!

[Gail]

Kathleen, I do the same on tours~I get caught up in the garden and don't even think of setting up shots~Two different activities! Love, love, love the floats and isn't the red tree peony wonderful! gail

[Grace]

Kathleen, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one so caught up in the moments that I neglect to get photos.

Despite the propensity, you got some great photos. And it sounds like you had an inspiring day.