The cliffs at Ebey's Landing, halfway up Whidbey Island, are blanketed in our native Nootka roses in full, pink, intensely fragrant bloom. The rose petals are surprisingly sheer and delicate looking atop such thickets of thorns. The fields of the historic preserve are intensely green, striped with the deep brown of rich soil.
Last Friday afternoon we could see as far south as Mt. Rainier and to the skyline of Seattle, west to the snow-drenched Olympics, and east across the island to the Cascades. Hiking along the cliffs with a cool breeze and warm sun, the strong, sweet, heady scent of the roses and stretches of purple vetch coming into bloom makes for a glorious hike right now....
Wishing you sunshine, fresh breezes and a leisurely hike for Father's Day....
I always smile when I see the Nootkas in bloom on the hillsides...a sure sign that summer is on its way! My shrub rose Hansa is also in full bloom right now and the scent is so heavenly, it takes your breath away! Its deeply, antique, rose scent, perfumes the whole room! :)
Posted by: Chris | June 19, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Even boring old Bush Point Road, which I walk a few times a week braving the rush of cars and trucks up and down, is lined with Nootka roses, blooming their little hearts out. I also have discovered wild honeysuckle, salmon and thimbleberries, and vinca growing rampant. It's become more than just a roadway----it's a native garden!
Posted by: Kit Ketcham | June 20, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I see the Nootkas in bloom on the hillsides...a sure sign that summer is on its way! My shrub rose Hansa is also in full bloom right now
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Scarlet
Posted by: camper trailers | August 08, 2011 at 02:03 AM