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Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
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Mt. St. Helens

Mt. St. Helens (Washington) 
I finally made it all the way up to see Mt. St. Helens last week. On a clear day, you can see it from various locations around Vancouver (and Portland for that matter). It is about a 1 hour drive from our house, located slightly to the northeast. It is still an active volcano, which is a bit frightening when you think about it. Or I could worry about North Korea's missiles reaching us. Danger lurks all about. I think I will just enjoy the incredible beauty this region has to offer and try not to dwell on the unpleasantness.

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
This is a view from a Visitor's Center located just off I-5 in Castle Rock, about 45 miles from Mt. St. Helens.

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
Along the drive up the mountain, there are lots of places to pull over and see great views.


Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
The area has abundant wildflowers.


Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
A native Penstemon

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
When Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980, it resulted in mass destruction, eliminating entire lakes and totally reconstructed the landscape. It is a fascinating story. The Visitor's Center is filled with artifacts and exhibits that illustrate the event. It is a "must-see" if you are visiting the area.

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)
Evidence of the big event are everywhere.
Mt. St. Helens (Washington)


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Endah MurniyatiJuly 6, 2017 at 12:33 AM

    Beautiful scenery! Thank you for sharing

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  2. Lisa at GreenbowJuly 6, 2017 at 3:49 AM

    What a beautiful area. That penstemon is sweet. Such a pretty color.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RebeccaJuly 6, 2017 at 6:36 PM

    Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJuly 6, 2017 at 6:58 PM

    You got some beautiful shots of this fascinating area.

    ReplyDelete
  5. klaraau01July 9, 2017 at 1:39 PM

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful place, it's a treat to see it

    ReplyDelete
  6. AaronJuly 10, 2017 at 3:23 PM

    Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hoover BooJuly 11, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Great shots. All the empty area with wildflowers was forest before the eruption. The land is healing slowly--the ash must be hundreds of feet deep in some places.

    Still, it's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

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