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

Spring Time in the Garden

It was spring in the garden at the Huntington Library.  The flowering trees were alive with blooms.  But for the life of me, I don't know the name of this one.  The gently curved petals, so smooth and elegant remind me of many varieties of flowers but as a tree blossom, I'm at a loss. 

"Spring Time in the Garden"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Springtime at the Huntington

Spring at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino offer so much for the visitor. These Chinese Magnolias are just some of the beauties putting on a show.

"Springtime at the Huntington" © Kathy Dunham 2009

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