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Coutts Centre for Western Heritage Visit Number Five - June 9th

What a difference a few days can make in a garden.

Seeing the changes in just over a week was quite amazing. When you watch your own garden grow the changes seem imperceptible but witnessing the growth that occurred over 9 days, was simply stunning. I guess it's the same when you return to your yard after being away on a summer holiday and are met by a jungle of growth. But it was amazing nonetheless.

You may have noticed, that I jumped from my third visit to my fifth visit. To clarify, I did not do a blog on visit number four as it was a quick stop to visit the allium in the Rose Garden. I did do a quick turn about the property to see what else was happening and thought I would save those images, combine them with my next visit and do this blog as a combined visit.

An Allium Eruption

The bees were in heaven

Allium heaven that is.

The May Day trees were in full bloom as well and filled the air with their sweet perfume. Nothing says welcome to Spring as the scent of the May Day blossoms does. By the time I visited the gardens 9 days later the blossoms were gone and so was their fragrant bouquet.

The promise of a harvest of cherries, crab apples, apples and pears was in evidence on the fruit trees throughout the gardens.

And on to my next visit

Since it is my plan to visit the centre often this year, I will be welcoming friends to make the trip with me. This visit was timed as members of the High River Art Society were going to the gardens for a creative refresh. The place has a calm and peaceful vibe that promotes creativity.

Iris

I see another visit in the near future as a few dwarf Irises were in bloom but others show promise of a spectacular show.

Lupine

In the Long Border

The lupine was also showing signs of a spectacular show about to begin.

Columbine

Columbine calls many beds in the gardens home. From the Native Border to the Long Border and the Herb Garden. It graces them all with its beauty.

The Ferns

From fiddleheads to almost full grown in two weeks - nature is a marvel. Nestled on the north side of Jim's homestead where it is sheltered and shady, just the way ferns like it.

Shades of Blue

Tall Bluebells aka Northern Bluebells, Lungwort, Periwinkle and Cornflowers - the blues were showing off their stuff.

Shades of Pink

Tucked in the back of the Late Garden was this lovely Phlox - it would be easy to miss if you thought nothing would be blooming there yet but its pretty pink caught my eye and I went to visit. The creeping thyme and chives were found in the Herb Garden, where else?

Shades of Purple

The clematis reminded me of purple virgin's bower that I often see in Waterton and I am not sure if that is what I found hugging one of the fruit trees, sharing the sturdy trunk as it climbed up among the branches. In the Cottage Garden or as it is properly called the Peony Garden the beds have changed over from grape hyacinth to catmint to give you some enjoyment while you wait for the peonies to blossom.

Shade of Yellow

I was torn as to where to place the johnny jump-ups - with the purples or the yellows? To keep the number even they appear in the yellow group. I hope I haven't offended anyone who does not agree with my decision. They can be found jumping up all through the gardens but they are most abundant in the Jelly Bean Bed.

The rhubarb has gone to flower in the Herb Garden where the chamomille is growing in mass. Its pretty little white and yellow blossoms put a smile on my face whenever I see them. They are happy plants. Meanwhile, in the Medicine Wheel, the buffalo beans are reducing in numbers but the sedums are thriving as the plantlife ebbs and flows.

Shades of White

Had the phlox not called me over for a visit in the Late Garden, I am afraid I would have missed one of my favourite flowers coming into bloom. It is not a tall plant (like a photographer I know) and can be easily missed in the crowd. The windflower is another plant that just makes me happy whenever I see it.

The Comings & the Goings

The cranesbill is just coming into bloom for its summer stay while the hairy clematis is about to show its funnier side with its funky bad hair day look replacing its purple blossoms.

The first of the poppies are beginning to bloom in what will soon be an absolute riot of red and orange with an occasional pink or white blossom added to the mix in the Poppy Garden. The large purple ones will be found later in the Herb Garden.

I wonder, I wonder, what are you? You look abundant, healthy and ready to share something wonderful with us. I look forward to meeting you!

Some plants have finished their life cycle and are returning to the ground to await a new Spring and new life while others are barely beginning theirs

I am off to Waterton for a visit with the wildflowers there and will be visiting the gardens of the Coutts Centre when I return. I am excited to see what new blossoms there will be by then. Certainly the Iris.

Created By
Cathy Bennington
Appreciate

Credits:

C.J. Bennington Fine Art Photography