Saturday morning of the 2013 Garden Bloggers Fling found me, and a few dozen other bloggers, up early and at the Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park. We had registered for an optional photography class taught by Saxon Holt. While I was thrilled to learn a few pointers from such a renowned garden photographer I was also excited to visit the botanical garden again (I'd been once before, in 2009).
Being less than focused so early in the morning meant both my mind and body wandered a bit. After all a huge Leucadendron argenteum was calling to me...
Saxon pulled us deeper into the park, finding the perfect location to illustrate "filling the frame" our lesson for the morning, before setting us free to roam the garden and put the skills he'd taught us to use.
Sadly there were no carefully considered shots from me, instead I went a little plant crazy and just started shooting. For example this huge shrub stopped me cold, once I realized what it is.
Pineapple Guava, Feijoa sellowiana. It's one thing to read how big something can get, another thing entirely to see it for yourself.
One of the drawbacks of visiting the garden before they opened for the day? Working your way around the sprinklers.
I had no problem obeying this sign.
This one however? Oh so hard to stay out...
Super tall Schefflera taiwaniana?
Glowing puya...
Yes, I'd found my way to the succulent garden.
These leaves looked familiar.
Bocconia arborea, reminding me of my Bocconia frutescens back home.
By now I'd ran into my friend Peter and we'd realized we'd better start back for the front gate or risk getting left behind. I was relieved when we caught up with Kelly and Andrea, the fling organizers. We couldn't possibly miss the bus as long as we kept them in our sights.
Acnistus australis, I believe.
There is so much to see in this 55-acre garden. I'd only just scratched the surface.
I guess I'll just have to visit again...soon.
All material © 2009-2014 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Lovely! In retrospect, I really wish that I had taken off to explore the arboretum more. I want to go back to San Francisco again too. Some day....
ReplyDeleteI thought you had gone exploring Alison? You should definitely go back! There are still so many amazing things to see...
DeleteI'd have bagged the photo instruction (no matter how badly I could use it) for garden time too!
ReplyDeleteI stuck around for most of it, just wander off a bit here and there.
DeleteLove the pictures! I must go again soon you have lit the fire Does it count if you just stand in the doorway and stick your head in the forbidden zone? : )
ReplyDeleteI should have done that, I really should have.
DeleteHah...do you think our pineapple guavas have the least chance of reaching those proportions? I certainly didn't plan for it with my placement, did you? I tried to organize an outing to this place the last time we were in SF. I will be more insistent next time, after seeing this post.
ReplyDeleteFor a moment or two I was frightened they would, because I didn't plan for it with my placement (of course I didn't!). But have you ever seen one that big here in Oregon? I haven't...
DeleteI really have to spend more time at the Strybing Arboretum. It's less than 2 hours away but I hate the SF traffic...
ReplyDeleteThe traffic is definitely a deterrent. Maybe the next time you have a weekday off?
DeleteAs I think about the cold pouring rain outside, this warm morning makes me feel just a little less chilly! Thanks for the cherished memory of all of those uber fab plants growing in the ground!
ReplyDeleteIt was such a nice morning wasn't it? As I remember maybe even a tiny bit chilly, of course an hour or two later that was completely forgotten!
DeleteIt's there waiting for your return again Loree! You have a natural knack for taking great photos and your shots are always fab even without lessons!
ReplyDeleteAh, you guys are very sweet!
DeleteThat place looks absolutely stunning!!! I love seeing those nikau palms in your sprinkler picture! amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd know what they were...
Delete55 acres?!?! Wow! Next time I get to S.F. I'm checking this place out. And I can convince my wife to include it in our trip since there are other fun touristy things nearby.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a Leucadendron before. It vaguely reminds me of my good old California wax myrtle, in form if not in it's beautiful leaves. My myrtle is a nice looking functional year round screen, and with careful pruning can look somewhat natural as a small multi-stemmed tree. Still, I'm sighing with zone envy.
Jim, NE Tabor
Oh yes you definitely should check it out! There's a museum nearby https://deyoung.famsf.org/ maybe your wife can get lost there while you get lost in the garden?
DeleteNow that's a patch of Puya! And the tree ferns, oh the tree ferns! Someday I really must make it down to San Francisco. I love your photos. I think your time was better spend exploring!
ReplyDeleteYou've not been to SF? Oh yes, you really must visit!
DeleteYou got some nice photos Loree ! I've signed up for a class with Saxon at the SF garden show in March. Taking a back-up camera this time !
ReplyDeleteSmart woman.
DeleteWhat a beautiful garden! there are many plants I didn't know. I may visit after this year fling!
ReplyDeleteSince you're so close (relatively speaking) you should!
DeleteYou got some really beautiful shots!
ReplyDelete