The Rhododendron's are blooming!

One of nature's many gifts to the Pacific Northwest is an abundance of Rhododendrons. Though us natives of the Puget Sound (if the truth were revealed) do become weary of grey days and rain about now, but the Rhododendron's love it as they ready for the warm spring sun to burst into their glory and flower. This is so spectacular and renews the spirit. Life is born anew!


Growing up in my old neighborhood of Earlington in Renton, Washington, I remember every neighbor had at least one Rhododendron. My Grandparents had two huge trees in their yard that were about 16 feet tall.



After a cool rainy morning the sunshine came out this afternoon and the Rhody's at
my office in Kent are ready to burst into bloom!


Don't forget May 14 - May 20, 2012 is the 77th Annual Rhododendron Festival in Port Townsend...


I love the Olympic Peninsula. Port Townsend is about 2 hours from Seattle if you take the Seattle - Bainbridge Island Ferry then drive north on State Route WA-305 to Port Townsend.


Port Townsend is an old waterfront town and one our early guardians to the Puget Sound. It has a long history. Captain George Vancouver named the area "Port Townsend" after his friend the Marquis of Townshend back in 1792. The city took the name on April 24, 1851. It's worth the drive just to see all of the old Victorian era homes.


There's a lot going on during festival week, arts and crafts, fashion shows, and bike tours. The Rhododendron Garden opens on the 14th at Fort Worden, there's fun events like the pancake breakfast and spaghetti feed at the Elks Lodge, live music by the high school, a memorial Rhody open Golf Tournament, and much much more with a Grand Parade on Saturday the 19th. Great small town Northwest Americana fun and the scenery and views of water and mountains is truly inspiring.


A great way to welcome spring. The Rhododendron's are blooming!


For details, directions, and guidelines to all events click: Port Townsend Rhododendron Festival.