an afternoon on the town

I hope you have all been enjoying this glorious weather we have been having! I certainly can't get enough of it. Seeing as it was such a splendid day, I put off all the "should do" tasks and headed downtown for some fun in the sunshine.  I love heading into Vancouver if you have not already noticed.  I think one of the main reasons is that it is such a green city.  That is to say, there is so much green space and amazing plantings to be discovered all throughout the downtown core.

I really enjoyed this fern dell. It was like a little oasis.  I often find myself battling restraint because I just wanted to get into the planting and explore.

And check out this gorgeous magnolia grandiflora. I keep repeating myself to people like a broken record about this magnolia, keep planting them - They are absolutely stunning! They have so much interest with their deep green and bronzy undersides.... not to mention intoxicating flowers.

Now this is special to me! Massive cordylines should always be special. But this one represents one of the few surviving cordylines of the winter 2008 fiasco that I would like to forget.

It's hard to tell from these pictures but there is a massive trunk under all that foliage that gets huge near the base. This one was actually damaged during the 2008 event but not knocked back like most. I always drive past it and think that one day I'll get out and take some pics... finally I passed on foot.

My feet just so happened to take me down to the beach - funny how that happens.

And thankfully the beach is a palmy place. I love this group clump of chamaerops humilis.

Danger, these are for you! apparently they were standing out to me too.

I think they are the "it" container plant this year. (maybe only surpassed by purple fountain grass)

As I was randomly meandering when I spotted some of the most superb trachycarpus I have EVER seen. I'm pretty sure my heart stopped beating for a second. And look, they are full of fruit!!! I think I will have to take a trip back to these palms for some seed harvesting in a couple of months.

And the same building had this wonderful planting... the lavender smelled divine.

And speaking of divine scents. The evening air was perfumed with the wonderful scent of angels trumpets.

Stop. Savour. Meander.

I love how you almost forget the city exists.  In all its density and all the goings on there is an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility. That's the power of the landscape.

Each plant is appreciated for the texture and the role it plays in the tapestry of the city garden. I love how they evoke a sense of warmth and personality.

I love the sights, smells and warmth of the height of summer.

Get out, enjoy, relax and savour all that summer has to offer!