Wednesday Vignette - Falling

It was never a particularly beautiful building from the outside, this building that overlooked Wright Park.  Dedicated in 1922, it only remained the Scottish Rite Masonic Cathedral until 1937 when it was sold to The Bible Presbyterian Church, a group that separated from the First Presbyterian church just across the alley.  Like many large urban church buildings with dwindling congregations, it  was sold.  

In it's place a developer will build a 122 unit apartment building, one of several new urban infill apartment/condo projects in our neighborhood.  With the cost of housing in Portland and Seattle becoming prohibitive for many,  escapees are streaming into Tacoma.  What will I miss most?  Walking by the three huge old vibrant red rhododendron bushes covered with bloom each spring, their blaring exuberance a jarring contrast to the stark side wall of the church. 

The increased density has benefits but it's still sad to see a big  and not-so-old place like this torn down.  While I wasn't particularly fond of this building, what takes it's place may or may not be an aesthetic improvement. 

On the right is  First Presbyterian Church.

These pictures were taken on a Sunday walk.  It was sunny when we set out and again when we returned home but during the walk the wind whipped up, and we were pelted with hail and heavy rain.  It felt right to see this demolition site in the rain.  On the ground I found a soaking wet folded piece of printed paper & threw it in my bag.  Upon inspection, it was a page from a 1948 newspaper which must have fallen from some hiding place in the building.  Looks like leaves aren't the only things falling this autumn.

Here's an interesting article written in April about the possibility of this happening. 

Wednesday Vignette is hosted by Anna at Flutter and Hum. Mosey on over there to join in the fun.

It's Pumpkin Patch Time!

Once again the giant orange squash has has it's day in the sun.  Pumpkins grow well in our climate and during the fall in these parts, pumpkin patches seem nearly as numerous as Starbucks Shops. (Starbuckses?)  The sight of pumpkins ripening in fields and home gardens still fills me with glee.  Even the sight of piles of them outside of grocery stores elicits warm feelings.   We visited a pumpkin patch in early October and  it was already teeming with equally orange-obsessed folks enjoying the crisp autumn air.

My Gourd, What a Morning.

 "My Sweet Gourd"

How can one be gloomy with so many vibrant colors, interesting shapes, the fullness of autumn?

Pretty and edible!

The pumpkin patch is often a last hurrah for farms that open around strawberry time in June, sell seasonal berries through the summer, peaches, tomatoes,  pears, apples, etc. and finally all manner of winter squash and corn.

Seems like they get more and more elaborate each year with all sorts of activities and various food trucks/booths.  Many are like small county fairs.

Don't be frightened, 

These cute costumed kids always make me chuckle. 

It's a Victorian diamond in the rough according to the real estate agent...

I feel fortunate to live in a city that's only a fifteen-minute drive from farmland.  Unfortunately, it's rapidly being paved and replaced with industrial buildings.

What?  Yes, even here.  I must admit, there's no messy clean up after the season is over, just some bubble wrap, a box, and away they go for another year.

Enjoy your shining moment little squash for, all too soon, it'll come to an end. 

In a Vase on Monday

It's easy to become addicted to throwing something from the garden or found nearby in a vase each Monday thanks to the talented and dedicated Cathy of Rambling in the Garden who hosts this habit-forming meme.  Click on the link to see what she's found to put in a vase this week and to find links to the vases of other participating bloggers.

Many years ago, at the Glass Eye Studio sidewalk sale, this vase made it's way into my bag.  It's colors are perfect for this time of year although the back usually gets covered up unless it's just holding a single bloom.

 
Euonymus europaeus 'Red Ace' is showing off it's vibrant berries in the parking strip.  This was the last plant I purchased from Steamboat Island Nursery run by Duane and Laine who both now live only in our memories. The autumn glory of this plant brings sweet thoughts of these kind people and their wonderful nursery.

Also now in berry is Phytolacca americana (Pokeweed,) which some consider a weed.  I let a few grow for these berries borne on vibrant fuschia stems.

This bird flew down to check out the snacks.

Joining the arrangement is this unidentified rock found on a sale table.

And a couple of aperitif glasses, another gift from neighbor, Sandy.

Also in the vase are Cupressus arizonica and a bird-planted Cotoneaster franchetii.  

Fleur De Lis Garden Ornaments

If you've attended the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, you've probably seen the Fleur De Lis booth.  Fortunately they're located just up the street from The Glass Eye Studio so after visiting the sidewalk sale, we usually stop by Fleur De Lis. 

Off in a back corner of the parking area was this poor little trio of opuntia.  

Getting ready for Halloween.

This fellow didn't seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere. 

Parrots have taken over the shop!

This gnome didn't seem to mind.

This group, however, was not at all amused. 

There's something for just about any garden style.

A tiny treasure.

If you combine a long bench top with columns is it a columbine? 

Drunken toddlers?  Where are their parents? 

I was impressed with the relatively bubble-free detail of this one.  

Another shell encrusted turtle. 

Got milk?

This one called my name and since everything was on sale...

 This trio was very attractive but where would I put them? 

It's always a pleasure to see what they do with concrete here.  For more information, check out their website.

Happy weekend! If you're in the area, the Rhododendron Species Garden is holding it's Foliage Festival and plant sale this weekend.  Find out more here.