On Sunday, I woke to the monotonous sound of the foghorns down by the harbor and a mist so heavy it beaded like rain on the windowsills.
On the other side of town, the craggy tops of the mountains were just breaking through the fog, so I grabbed my camera and headed up to the Botanic Gardens.
The light has changed so much from the sweet golden light of late September. Silvery, wan, it lent a slightly wistful air to everything.
Fortunately, the Zauschneria were in full bloom. The beautiful coral/red color sparkled through the bleached grasses and instantly improved my mood.
A flash of gold from the last, lingering blossoms of Oenethera 'Lemon Silver'
Ripening Buckeye, or Horse Chestnuts (Aesculus) are a sure sign of the fading year, as are the plump little berries of the Toyon. Neither are to be eaten by humans, though!
And finally, the trail back home.
11 comments:
Beautiful setting of a botanical garden, on the slopes, more pictures please! Very nice and thank you for sharing. / Tyra
aahhhhhh..... Santa Barbara. I love Santa Barbara, especially the fog horns at the harbor, but also the beach, and the mountains, and the red tile roofs, and of course, bygone Sunday mornings at the Copper Coffee Pot.
Gorgeous photos Chloe!
Beautiful photographs! I love your part of the world...it is truly lovely. I might get tired of the fog occasionally! Then again, maybe not! Thank you for stopping by and leaving your lovely comment!
Gail
clay and limestone
Tyra,
Thank you for stopping by Garden Grit - it's always wonderful to 'meet' other bloggers. I really enjoyed your site, too!
Chloe M.
Dennis,
Sadly, the Copper Coffee Pot is long gone - given over to the ubiquitous Starbucks & Peets.
But the Botanic Garden remains......
Chloe M.
Gail,
Yes, the fog can be a challenge at times, especially for the roses! They just don't thrive without the sun.
Chloe M.
How romantic the whole scene appears and sounds, down to the foghorn. I don't believe I have ever heard one except in the movies. I have planted a Zauschneria here. It looks pathetic but is still alive. It is that color bloom that attracts me every time. Hope your visit the Botanic garden was a delight.
Frances
Frances,
Foghorns can sound romantic in the early morning when the fingers of mist curl up the canyon - other times I think they sound just like a big cow, calling for it's dinner.
Yes, the color of the Z. has to be seen to be believed!
Chloe M.
It was solid delight to see that Botanic Garden this year after having read about it and seen pictures for such a long time now. There's an article about it in the newest issue of Fremontia, but I haven't read it yet.
I'm gratified (relieved maybe) to hear that other parts of California have fog. I used to think it was romantic in San Francisco but I am so over it.
Ah, i miss the "monotonous" foghors! esp the ones that sounded back in the 80's before they replaced them with electronic ones...
but, i still have the ocean breezes and plenty of sun now that i've moved to the southern part of the state...
lovely blog! i will bookmark it for many future visits...
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