Last week, near the end of Seattle’s summer, we were curious to see what the gardens at Willows Lodge looked like. We last toured them in early summer. Surely there are flowers in bloom now that we hadn’t seen back in June!
We love this “Welcome to our Happy Place” stone sign! (I am confident speaking for both me and Jen in this instance!)
This “Riverside Terrace” sign marked the path into the gardens.
I don’t remember this beautiful flower-filled figural head vase from last time! Check out the beautiful purple dahlias, too.
Of course we feel compelled to include a photo of this magnificent willow tree – it’s Willows Lodge, after all!
Who can tell me the name of these lovely pink flowers? Let me know in the comments section below!
I needed another minute to admire this quirky, whimsical birdbath/planter!
Jen was overjoyed to see these bright orange, yellow and pink, vibrant flowers.
These flowers give a sudden tropical air to this part of the garden!
As we made our way further into the herb garden area, we noticed fun little extras tucked away in the beds – a rusty milk pail, metal wheels, makeshift stepping bricks, etc.
Here are some lovely heirloom tomatoes – imagine how delicious they taste! I wonder if they are intended for the Herbfarm or Barking Frog guests?
Another view of fresh foods grown right on site!
This is just one of the many lovely seating areas that Willows Lodge guests can relax in.
We are always amazed by how immaculately landscaped and well kept the grounds are. I imagine that well behaved hotel guests are contributing by not tossing cigarette butts on the ground.
We love snooping around the herb and vegetable beds seeing what’s growing.
These must be edible pansies for fresh, spectacular salads, I’m guessing.
Curiously, there are snapdragons and lavender growing near basil. Interesting combination!
It’s always relaxing to stop and listen to the fountains here.
I wonder if parents have a difficult time keeping their children out of this stone tower – it would be so fun to play “Castle” here!
From here you can see the Herbfarm and hotel building.
Here’s a cheerful splash of hot pink and coral pink flowers.
Someone decided to plant some daisies to create a sunny corner here.
How I’d love to have time to toss a picnic blanket under the willow and spend a few hours just reading a book in this lovely place!
The artwork outside of Barking Frog is so eclectic!
These make me want to increase my knowledge of flowers – are they roses?
With flowers this gorgeous in the background, I can only imagine how many summer weddings are held here!
When’s the last time you were strolling around and saw artichokes in full bloom?
Alas, we ran out of pathways – time to go home and get back to work!
-Carrie
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