Lilac Blooms | northern California photographer
If it's April in northern California, it is the season for lilacs. Their old fashioned charm and delicate blooms are eye-catching. And their fragrance! Oh, I wish you could smell these photos. Although I don't have any lilacs growing in my yard for now, I'm hoping that will change soon.
Plan a Visit to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens?
The first time I visited the Mendocino botanical gardens a few years ago, it was in January. Many things were dormant and the weather was cold, windy, a bit rainy, and basically not a great time to visit. Make a plan to get that on your calendar - except I cannot recommend a cold, windy, rainy winter day. There will be treasures to be found for sure, but there will be more if you select a different time.
Bursting Blooms | Almond Orchards
If you are fortunate enough to live near an orchard of almond trees, you know what a treat it is when they have bursting blooms. Every winter we wait in anticipation of the blooming almond orchards. They have the softest color and are mildly fragrant. Now is that time, and the blooms do not last very long. It's been a hard winter with all the wind, but I found a day recently to photograph these beautiful trees.
Tulip Fields Galore | Don’t Mind the Mud
As I approached the fields upon fields of tulips, I was completely amazed. The fields seemed to go on forever; as far as I could see. Clearly these tulip fields had been well planned and certainly well cared for. But, the surprising thing to me was that they didn't appear to be commercial production. They appeared to be for the sole enjoyment of those who were fortunate enough to visit. Me being one of those lucky people!
Visiting the Town of Mendocino in northern California
When first visiting the little northern California town of Mendocino, one gets the feeling that there is something just a little bit different and special about this community. The buildings are old, but well kept. Some people say it reminds them of an old east coast village yet with a personality all its own. It's a perfect place to take a leisurely walk, peer into the windows of the shops, and visit the variety of restaurants there. It's also the perfect place to view the rocky cliffs or walk along the sandy beaches of northern California. Your senses are not bombarded with commercial hooks to pull you in, but rather a quaint invitation to explore and enjoy.