We started today with a walk in one of my favourite places in Nanaimo, the Hailey Rhododendron Grove.
We always try to get there around this time of year to get the best effect from these amazing trees. While there are some small rhododendrons, many of the plants here are very old, as the Grove was started back in 1960’s. Most of the trees and flowers tower over my head!
The colour and aroma of the flowers are myriad. The shapes of both flowers and trunks are interesting. The trunks are very smooth and a little twisted. You can see how they grew extending out towards the sun as they went.
Some of the flowers here are hybrids that may not be seen anywhere else. The range is remarkable. While The Grove shows best from Mid April to Mid May, some of the flowers start in late February and others show in June. You can see a carpet of glorious pink petals in one of the pictures I shot, even when the blooms are finished they leave a beautiful reminder! In amongst the Rhododendrons you will see companion plants, such as ferns, hostas, camellias, dogwoods and azaleas. Joy for the senses all around you!
The park has many levels. There are stairs and pathways up, down, and around the trees. So many beautiful plants to admire.
I hope that you enjoy the walk as much as I did! Click on the arrow to move the pictures along.
The last few pictures are a meadow across from the Grove, next to Millstone River.
Happy Mothers Day
Lynette
