White Chinese Magnolia

This is the season to start visiting the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino.  The beautifully landscaped grounds always have something of interest in bloom.  These Chinese Magnolias always are fascinating as they bloom while the stalks are void of leaves.  So you have a naked branch with lots of beautiful flowers. 

"White Chinese Magnolias"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Japanese Tea Garden

There is something peaceful and relaxing about the design of a Japanese Garden.  The tranquility gives a meditative quality to the experience.  Most major cities have a Japanese Garden and it's worth a visit.  This one is in the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. 

"Japanese Tea Garden"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Wall Decoration

The Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California is maturing nicely. Completed two years ago, according to strict Chinese design, it is a peaceful and elegant area to relax and enjoy the beauty of a well arranged landscape. These cut outs in the outer wall take on a dramatic look when the light hits it.

"Wall Decoration"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Spring Blossoms

Springtime at The Huntington Library in San Marino, especially the chinese Garden, is a delight to the eyes.  this tree was covered with beautiful white blossoms.  I mean covered.  But it's the delicate stamens that give it character.

"Spring Blossoms"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Lanterns in the Garden

Today is Chinese New Year's and as we welcome in the Year of the Ox, I remembered this shot I took last year of the red lanterns at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. They were preparing for the grand opening of the new Chinese Garden being added to these spectacular gardens. I have never seen so many huge lanterns at one time, and this was just one small section.

"Lanterns in the Garden" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Japanese Garden

It's still feeling like Spring here so why not continue the mood. This shot was taken last year at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom as was the rest of the garden.

"Japanese Garden" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Afternoon Delight

I spotted this beautiful camellia late one afternoon in Descanso Gardens (near Pasadena) and could feel the glow as the late day sun penetrated the petals. A winter/spring flower, the camellia doesn't grow too well in our desert climate. Thankfully I'm but a two hour drive to spectacular "forests" of this delightful flower in two venerable gardens. The Descanso and the Huntington Gardens both boast 30 foot tall groves of a wide variety of this dramatic blossom.

"Afternoon Delight" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Bachelor Bee

I never realized how many pictures I've taken of bees, insects and critters until I started doing this blog. You'd think I was an entomologist. This little guy was busy collecting pollen on a bachelor's button (hence the title of this image) in the herb garden at the Huntington Library this past summer. Notice that his pollen is red. And earlier posting showed a bee with yellow pollen. These guys sure do get around.

"Bachelor Bee" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Pagoda of the Three Friends

Today I taught a class in the beautiful Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA. We spent most of the day at the boat pavilion and had a spectacular view of the pond and the wonderful landscaping on the other side. This is the Pagoda of the Three Friends - the Bamboo, Pine and Plum. The plum because because it's the first to bloom, the bamboo because it's flexible and bends and the pine because is survives tough surroundings. The Chinese put much thought, feeling and meaning into the design of their gardens. This one is a spectacular place to meditate and be one with nature.

"Pagoda of the Three Friends" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Chinese Magnolia

I'll be teaching a workshop at the Huntington Library and Gardens in a few weeks and decided to review my photos to help plan my class. We'll be in the new Chinese Garden which is absolutely stunning so I wanted to check out the possibilities for sketching when I came across this beautiful Chinese Magnolia. I remember this was a favorite of my Mom's. She planted one in the front yard of our house and since it was outside my bedroom window I always had the pleasure of watching it bloom.

"Chinese Magnolia" © Kathy Dunham 2008

See the Face?

The new Chinese garden at the Huntington Library in San Marino is a must see. Beautiful mosaic walks, pagados, lotus flowers in the pond, stone bridges and statues. I've seen this particular shape in various Chinese gardens but have no idea if it has a special meaning. But it wasn't until I was looking through my photos that I realized the angle of this shot gave it the look of a cartoonish face. See the funny little hat, two eyes and mouth? I'll never look at this the same way again.

"See the Face" © Kathy Dunham 2008