Its perhaps the last week for the blooming tulips out in the Skagit valley. It is a a bit earlier than other years, perhaps aided by a few warm days last month. But it was as colorful as ever.
Did you get to see the blooms this year?
Blooms of the Gorge
Old wagons, run-down stagecoaches, rusty barns and worn out corrals dot the green hills that slope down to the still waters of the Columbia River a thousand feet below. These were the only vestiges reminding us of the rich history of homesteading in this beautiful region dating back to the mid-19th century. Today, these are part of the Columbia Hills Historical State Park in the Columbia Gorge, which in spring, bursts with brilliant blooms of balsamroot.
Here is one such bloom framing an old wagon, a remnant of a bygone era.
Columbia Hills Historical State Park
WA USA
Wildflower Closeups
I always wonder what led to rich diversity of wildflowers every time I witness a spring bloom event. The blooms I have witness comprise of anything from dainty buttercups with shiny golden yellow petals, blue petaled baby-blue eyes dotting the undergrowth near creeks, vivid reds of the Indian paintbrush in the thick bush, the soft orange of the ubiquitos California poppy fluttering in vast swathes under a sunny sky. And even though I have seen them from up close and from far away, I can never get tired of looking at nature's artwork.
Central California
USA
Awaiting Tulips
The warmer temperatures and long sunny days of the upcoming spring in the Pacific Northwest have re-awakened memories of exploring the colorful blossoms that dot the fertile Skagit Valley. I long to see the uniform rows of colorful tulips layered against the foothills of the North Cascades. Especially in the early morning hours when the low angle of light adds a beautiful rimlight to the kaleidoscopic blossoms. And if I am lucky, I would be greeted by a soft fog that descended to ground level the prior night, and adds an ethereal dimension to the scene. Here is to hoping that this happens once again.
Skagit Valley
WA USA
Skagit blossoms
April has always been symbolic of tulips for me. From my very first visit to the tulip fields of Skagit Valley more than a decade ago, I have been fascinated by the vast carpets of vibrant reds and crimsons, bright whites and yellows, soothing rose, and vivid blues and purples. Being blessed to live less than an hour away, I try to seize every opportunity to explore the ever-changing spring patterns out here.
Earlier this year, I was lucky to capture the beginnings of a storm-front rising above the tulip fields during the late afternoon hours. I found these bright red tulips a perfect contrast to the grey and yellow clouds.
As before, you can buy this calendar at this link.
Skagit Valley
WA USA
Spring in the step
Even though the tulip blooms only last a couple of weeks, they put on a kaleidoscopic show of color that draws in tourists in record numbers. Perhaps it is their fleeting nature that makes them so special - they certainly would lose their charm if their blooms last the entire year.
Which one do you like the most?
Skagit Valley
WA USA
The Cherries at Spring
It may be mid May, but the temperatures in the PNW have still stayed below the 60s, and it still feels like spring. So in recognition of that, here are a couple of photos from the spring cherry blossoms at the well-manicured blooms of the University of Washington Campus
Seattle
WA USA
Odd one out
One of my classic takes with the spring tulip blossoms of the Pacific Northwest is photographing the odd ones out. I seek out the oddball misfits and the mis-colored ones amongst the uniform rows of neatly planted tulips. I presumed that these bulbs were planted either intentionally or they just crept it. Regardless, they form a great subject to add contrast when shooting tulips
Skagit Valley
WA USA
Carpet of flowers
Every spring, the streets and parks of Seattle are ablaze with a variety of floral blooms, from the bright cherry blossoms, the vibrant camelias, the regal magnolias, the colorful tulips and daffodils to the tiny flowering plants including daisies, phloxes and bluebells. I found this carpet of lawn daisies at a park in Seattle particularly captivating
Seattle
WA USA
Leaning Away
Visiting tulip fields is aboud admiring the the rows and rows of neatly planted tulips, in all shades from brilliant whites to deep purple. But not all end up blooming successfully, and add a bit of variety to the monotony of the parallel lines of tulips
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
OR USA