Tag: Gardens

South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

Journeys with EileenDiane

When visiting the LA area, check out this beautiful oasis, located on the Palos Verdes peninsula. The 87 acres have over 2,500 species of plants so that there is always something in bloom. For me, it is always a must visit place.

When you pay your admission, you will receive a welcome map detailing the gardens,  collections and walking paths. There is tram service offered on weekends.

Your walk starts at the Japanese Garden and Koi Pond. From there, you can meander through the Children’s Garden and the nearby, newly designed Rose Garden. Enjoy exploring the California native plants.

There are benches located throughout the garden, many in shade. Guests enjoy bringing food and having picnics in the lovely surroundings.

There is information on their web site how you can plan your event in this beautiful garden setting. Check also for upcoming events https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/

Enjoy your journey. Additional photos:  Photos ~ South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes, CA

Explore Coastal South Carolina

Explore Coastal South Carolina

Journeys with EileenDiane

When you visit Charleston,  plan time to explore the gorgeous nearby coastal area and discover your own special places. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the beach, golf and local cuisine. Indulge yourself.

Discover the Myrtle Beach area

  • Wander about Brookgreen Gardens
  • Stroll the boardwalk
  • Savor seafood specialties at the many restaurants along the boardwalk
  • Dine at Villa Romana Italian Restaurant
  • Check out the Amusement Park and Ripley’s Believe It or Not
  • Walk the beautiful beach

Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina ~ Photos

Myrtle Beach, SC ~ Photos

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Bloedel Reserve ~ Bainbridge Island, Washington

Bloedel Reserve ~ Bainbridge Island, Washington

Journeys with EileenDiane
Visitor Center
Japanese Gardens

Catch the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, browse the shops and peruse the local restaurants. For walk-on ferry passengers, take Kitsap Transit’s “BI Ride” from the ferry to Bloedel Reserve where you can easily spend several hours exploring the 150 acre public garden and forest preserve.

The bus leaves you at the gate house / gift shop entrance where you start your adventure. Knowledgeable staff will review your Bloedel Reserve map and answer your questions. The map is easy to follow and if time is an issue, you can choose several key spots to explore and leave the full walk for your next visit.

Highlights of your visit to Bloedel Reserve include the serene Japanese gardens (comprised of traditional Japanese gardens, a Sand and Stone Garden and a Japanese Guest House), wild Moss gardens, a waterfall overlook, a boardwalk over wetlands, the bird marsh, maple lane, a reflection pool, camellia walk and the former residence, now the visitor center.

At the visitor center a docent will answer your questions. The library has a collection of 1,400 horticultural and botanical books, available for reading and research on-site. Explore the living and dining rooms on the first floor, check out the plaques on a hallway wall containing a brief history of the reserve, including a quote by Prentice Bloedel, the original owner: “Nature can live without man, but man cannot live without nature.”

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