This place is special. It’s peaceful, relaxing, and there are plenty of things to do if lounging by the beach gets to you.
On my last visit, I returned to the National Topical Botanical Garden just Mcbryde. I did not see the Allerton Garden this time, frankly because they don’t have self-guided tours for it, which makes me a little sad. I really enjoyed the tour we had the first visit to the gardens. He was really funny, knew a lot of interesting facts, and we got to tour their special research greenhouses, plus both the Mcbryde and Allerton Gardens. But, for my second visit, I was hoping I could meander a bit more around the more formal setting at the Allerton garden, which was a private residence of the gentlemen who started NTBG. They would have lavish masquerade parties in their garden “rooms” and there are several water features and reflecting pools. The Mcbryde section is very interesting and more educational. There is a a wealth of knowledge about breadfruit, which is a super food that has the potential to feed many. I’ve never had it, but I’m told it is savory, not sweet, kinda like a potato. Maybe some day I’ll find some to try it. My favorite part of the Mcbryde garden is the pathway through the dawn and evolution of plants, starting with mosses and working its way to the present. I’d say it’s pretty great for kids. https://ntbg.org/
Amazing trees at the McBryde Garden
The other neat place I visited was the Hindu monastery. It was no more that 15 minutes away from where we stay, up a windy mountain. When you walk through the entry, there is an informational area and you are required to cover your legs (men and women) to respect the sanctity of the space. So, Erik had to wear a bright orange wrap around his waist- I wore pants, which was good idea because I saw several big bugs. Not far from the monastery is a scared grove of blue marble trees. They have fabulous large trunks and roots spreading on top of the ground. We also said hi to some well loved cows.
Hindu Monastery
On a routine drive, we’ve passed by a landscape nursery several times and this time, we stopped to take a look. It was fabulous and much larger than I thought from zooming by. They have several greenhouses filled with what I consider to be houseplants! They had pitcher plants in hanging baskets, several orchids and plumeria in bloom. And the best part?!? I couldn’t buy anything!
Plumeria
This visit is the first time I was able to see Waimea Canyon in its full glory. It was great! I wish there were less people, the parking was a bit cray, but worth the view. The drive up to the view point is super winding and pretty fun to drive if you aren’t stuck behind some driver who’s scared of heights. I have to say, staring out at the canyon, finding a gorgeous waterfall in the distance and admiring the greens and reds and browns, it’s pretty awesome.
Waimea Canyon
roots of the blue marble tree
air plants growing in trees
reflecting pool and bonsai at the Hindu Monastery
Phalenopsis orchid
Hibiscus
Polihale
Welp, this week is the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, so I’m hoping my next post will have plenty of pictures from that!
Till next time