Early Spring at the Ballard Botanical Garden
Along the shore of the Ballard Locks sits the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, a quiet sanctuary that feels worlds away from the noise of the canal nearby. I stopped by for a bit to see what I could see, searching for those first whispers of spring. W
While many of the botanical sights were still holding tight to winter, tucked away in their skeletal branches, the garden wasn't entirely asleep. The early bloomers, like the vibrant pink rhododendrons and the delicate, waxy petals of the camellias, provided a much-needed splash of color against the muted March sky. There is a special artform in the perfect bloom of a camellia, its geometric layers reminding us that nature's precision continues even in the "off" season.
Down by the water's edge, the garden's inhabitants were much more active. While the trees may be waiting for more consistent warmth, the water birds were fully embracing the afternoon. I enjoyed some time watching the Great Blue Herons tend to their nests in the tall trees above the locks. While I’ve seen many of these beautiful birds over the years, I had never seen a rookery until visiting this area.
As I left the locks, I felt a reminder to appreciate these quiet, early days as the seasons change. They aren't empty; they are simply waiting.
