The Leach Botanical Garden in Portland, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) A forest bathing experience helps you connect deeply with the natural world and remember how all humans, plants, and creatures are interconnected. It's inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku. The forest bathing walks at the Leach Botanical Garden in Portland, Oregon, are … Continue reading Forest bathing walks at the Leach Botanical Garden in Portland
Photo by Cheryl Landes The 2021 Home & Garden Idea Fair in Ridgefield, Washington, has been cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. "After much consideration we have decided to postpone the Home & Garden Idea Fair until 2022," Clark Public Utilities, the sponsor, posted on the event page. "The extraordinary circumstances of COVID-19 make producing … Continue reading Clark Public Utilities cancels 2021 Home & Garden Idea Fair in Ridgefield
Photo by Cheryl Landes The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce has cancelled the 2021 Daffodil Festival Car Parade and Picnic in Siasconset, Massachusetts, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, planning for an event called Help Our Businesses Bloom is underway. The chamber is planning shopping and dining promotions to support local businesses, along with virtual … Continue reading 2021 Nantucket Daffodil Festival to be replaced with Help Our Businesses Bloom
Alpaca photo by Cheryl Landes Alpacas are irresistible. They're soft, mellow, cute, and intelligent. They always have a smile on their faces. Meet them during tours of three farms in the Yakima Valley of southcentral Washington. PacaPoo Alpacas Farm9203 South Steele Road, Prosser Tours are available by appointment. Also shop alpaca products, such as yarn, … Continue reading Tour alpaca farms in the Yakima Valley
Lakewold Gardens in University Place, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Learn about some of the trees in the Lakewold Gardens in University Place, Washington, south of Tacoma, in a series of virtual tours. John Wilcox, a long-time volunteer at the gardens, leads these seven tours. Each tour features a different tree. The seven videos are … Continue reading Take seven virtual tree tours at Lakewold Gardens
Photos by Cheryl Landes The Kubota Garden in South Seattle is a treat for the eyes in the fall. The colors of the trees and shrubs are breathtaking in the textured landscape. The garden is the work of Fujitaro Kubota, a self-taught gardener who immigrated from Japan to Seattle in 1907. The Kubota Garden's address … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Fall at the Kubota Garden in Seattle
Flowers at Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens in Brush Prairie, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens is a series of demonstration gardens that provide ideas for gardeners looking at ways to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to their backyard spaces. The three acres are tended by volunteers. Every time I go for … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A walk at Naturescaping Wildlife Botanical Gardens
Fall colors at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes The Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park is a beautiful place to wander and reflect. Paths wind past an authentic tea house and through eight separate garden styles, from a zen garden to a beautiful pool fed by a waterfall. The … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall stroll in the Portland Japanese Garden
My favorite maple tree at the Acton Arboretum in Acton, Massachuetts Photos by Cheryl Landes The Acton Arboretum, a 65-acre preserve with trails crossing meadows, gardens, and woods, is a pleasant place to go for a nature walk any season. The fall colors make a stroll here a bigger treat. The arboretum was established in … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall stroll at the Acton Arboretum
The stockade at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopened on October 20 after being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hours are limited, as are some capacities. The visitor center is open on Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. until … Continue reading Fort Vancouver National Historic Site reopens after COVID closure
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 