Sun was forecast for Skagit Valley today… so off I drove to the Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon, WA… knowing that the tulips were a little behind, but hoping to catch the other flowers in bloom. You know, the ones that are usually spent by the time the tulips are peaking? Plus it was a good excuse to be out in the sunshine for a day =D
I was delighted with a few little finds – there were even a few tulips… but disappointed that I didn’t have someone to share it with. There were lots of couples and young families there, walking the rain-soaked fields and snapping pictures with flowers surrounding them. I was asked several times to take group shots… the curse of looking like you know what you are doing with a camera! All-in-all, it wasn’t a half bad day!
I just have to add this poem my sister mentioned =D
Flower Chorus
When March called,”Ho there! ho!”
Such spreading of rootlets far and wide,
Such whisperings to and fro!
“Are you ready?” the Snowdrop asked,
” ‘Tis time to start , you know.”
“Almost, my dear! the Scilla replied,
“I’ll follow as soon as you go.”
Then “Ha! ha! ha!” a chorus came
Of laughter sweet and low,
From millions of flowers under the ground,
Yes, millions beginning to grow.”I’ll promise my blossoms,” the Crocus said,
“When I hear the blackbird sing.”
And straight thereafter Narcissus cried,
“My silver and gold I’ll bring.”
“And ere they are dulled,” another spoke,
“The Hyacinth bells shall ring.”
But the Violet only murmured , “I’m here,”
And sweet grew the air of Spring.
O the pretty brave things, thro’ the coldest days
Imprisoned in the walls of brown,
They never lost heart tho’ the blast shrieked loud,
And the sleet and the hail came down;
But patiently each wrought her wonderful dress,
Or fashioned her beautiful crown,
And now they are coming to lighten the world
Still shadowed by winter’s frown.
And well may they cheerily laugh “Ha! ha!”
In laughter sweet and low,
The millions of flowers under the ground,
Yes, millions beginning to grow.
~Ralph W. Emerson
I downloaded the images in a gallery this time. If you want to see one in more detail, just click on it and it will open a larger image for you! Enjoy!
They are all lovely, but the primrose is my favorite.