Meerkerk Gardens

This last weekend we went camping at South Whidbey Island State Park. (We lucked out with the weather, as you can see-- apparently it was raining in Bellingham all weekend. Yessss!) Along with the usual camping activities of hiking, beer-drinking, beach combing, fireside storytelling and s'more-making, we visited this magical place called Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens.  

Meerkerk Gardens is a not-for-profit rhododendron garden, with acres upon acres of beautiful rhodies like these... 

...and these...

...and these!

The Rhododendron is Washington's state flower.

Rhododendron

Although the rhododendron blossoms are long gone, I couldn't let another year go by without posting a picture of some. This rhodie is in our backyard, and I took the picture last month. The rhododendron is Washington's state flower, and there are some beautiful gardens around dedicated to them. Of course I didn't manage to squeeze a visit in to them this year, but that gives me something to look forward to next spring!