Springtime at The Grotto

S P R I N G T I M E 

  at  The  Grotto

I am awaked early by the bright morning sun. A rare and welcome sight this Spring in The Pacific Northwest.  This fills me with a sense of optimism and adventure.

The air is clear and the sky a happy blue as I set out to one of my favorite spots for contemplation and appreciation of nature and natural beauty.

The Grotto;  a beautiful botanical garden and spiritual shrine and retreat in my hometown of Portland, Oregon.

 Springtime is especially lovely here.

Anne’s Chapel with Camellia in full bloom

The Camellias are in full bloom. Their glossy dark green leaves shine in the sunlight. They are joined by a chorus of others such as Dogwood, Japanese Maple, Hydrangea, Azaleas and Rhododendron.  This woodland environment is the perfect place for the acid loving plants typical of the region.

Sword Fern and Trillium and Vinca Minor line the many paths and walkways. Flowers are in abundance, the dappled sunlight dances across the trees. The whole place seems like a dream or a page right out of a fairy tale.  A virtual cornucopia of riotous birdsong fills the forest-like atmosphere and utterly fills me with delight.  So does the hooting of an owl that I hear echoing throughout this lush botanical garden.

Japanese Maple

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour of Springtime at The Grotto.   We will be returning at a later date to see what what’s new and in bloom.

Have a fabulous day!

 Strawberryindigo.

Related articles

• At The Grotto: A retreat in the city (strawberryindigo.wordpress.com)
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Unusual (The Monastery at The Grotto) (picturesinlivingcolor.wordpress.com)

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