Posts Tagged ‘garden’

Do you have a sanctuary?

A place where you can unwind, clear your head, feel at peace…and breathe?

Maybe it’s watching the waves crash along the shores of a beach…or lazily sitting on a porch swing watching the day go by…or listening to your favorite tunes driving along an empty stretch of highway…

For me, I find peace at the Fullerton Arboretum, the largest botanical garden in Orange County boasting 26 acres of over 4,000 diverse plants divided into four sections: Cultivated, Woodlands, Mediterranean and Desert.  Located on the northeast corner of the Cal State Fullerton campus, it’s a natural wonderland in the heart of the city.

Wondering what to do at The Fullerton Arboretum?

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Explore and learn about the flora and fauna.
  • Take one of many classes provided including Urban Farming, Composting, Yoga and Bird Watching.
  • Add to your garden!  Buy a new plant at the Potting Shed.
  • Take a nature walk.
  • Lay out a blanket and read a book.
  • Go on a photo safari!
  • Get married!  (Or any other special event you’d like to have here!)
  • Bring your family for a picnic or a day of fun among nature.  There’s a special “Children’s Garden” where kids can be entertained for hours.
  • Meditate.
  • Be enchanted by the turtles, butterflies, rabbits, herrons, lizards, ducks and koi fish.
  • If you’re a student, study by the lake or maybe take a nap on a grassy knoll.
  • Take that special someone here!  It’s a perfect setting for a romantic stroll down those meandering paths 😉

I come to the arboretum to enjoy the stunning scenery around me, to take time for myself and to let my camera have some fun! 🙂

So without further ado, please join me as I take a stroll through the jewel of North Orange County, the Fullerton Arboretum.

0708280257Perfect setting for complete tranquility.

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0811050017Melts my heart!

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IMG_22853 amigos sunbathing 😉

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0708280287Floral splendor!

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IMG_2299Tangled!

0811050027Did I mention it’s a great place for dates?
(Me & my hubby on our 4th date.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed our stroll through this beautiful botanical garden.  If you’re ever in Orange County and looking for a little escape, this gem is a delight and SO worth the visit!

The Fullerton Arboretum is located at:  1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA 92831
*Although an entrance fee is not required, a $3.00 donation is appreciated.

Where is your sanctuary?

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PHOTO BLISS

Nishinomiya Japanese Gardens

Tranquility, peace and mystical beauty await you at the Nishinomiya Japanese Gardens in Spokane, Washington.

This was one of the activities my sister had planned for us when I went to visit her 3 weeks ago…she knows me well!  Before we left, she said, “Bring your camera!”  I knew I was in for a treat.

The Nishinomiya Japanese Gardens is just one of 5 lush gardens in the beautiful and expansive Manito Park, one of Spokane’s top attractions.

Breathtaking does not do it justice!  It was one postcard moment after another.

Restful green waters, sun-kissed foliage showing the first signs of Autumn, hidden alcoves, charming bridges, pagodas, colorful koi, secret pathways, serenity, tranquility…perfection.

What places do you escape to for peace and tranquility?

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