Thursday, May 26, 2022

Mom-Day Adventure: Abkhazi Gardens

Welcome back, my friends! Today, Mom and I ventured to the Abkhazi Gardens for a wander in the lush grounds. The weather's been rather blerg - still spitting rain with overcast skies.
I dressed for warmth and any kind of terrain. 

  • Jacket - Diane von Furstenberg, thrifted; first seen here in April 2021 with houndstooth
  • Top - Mossimmo Dutti, thrifted; purchased here for $14.95
  • Skirt - Ports 1961, thrifted; last worn here (2nd outfit) in April 2021 with mustard
  • Booties - Truths Suzie, Fluevog, consignment; last seen here in March with orange Boss Pants

Some things I haven't worn for a while. 
Although it's black, the skirt is silk and very thin - it's best in this type of weather. 

The jacket is cute - I like the pattern. 
It doesn't have pockets, but at least the skirt does. 

The outfit without the jacket. 
I disliked the top intensely and threw it into the giveaway bag with vigor when I got home. 

Bad neckline, horrible sleeves, wrinkled like mad. 
The downside of not being able to try things on at WIN. 

Masked up.
It's pretty much back to normal out there, but I feel better wearing a mask when I'm indoors around people. 

With accoutrements. 
I forgot to take the picture of them - I was running late.

  • Silk scarf - Bill Blass, thrifted; purchased here for $6.95
  • Gloves - Danier Leather
  • Mask - by Mom

This is how I looked for most of the day. 
I was so late, Mom came up so I could finish doing my pictures. Thanks, Mom! 

The stuff: 
These boots are so comfy - I walked home in them after lunch. 

Green bling: 
Two of Mom's things in this round. 

  • Leather belt - Lasso, vintage 80s, consignment
  • Necklace - Mom's, vintage 60s
  • Gold bracelet - Mom's, vintage 60s, gift from Dad
  • Silver/aventurine ring - consignment
  • Lapis lazuli ring - Wendy Brandes
  • Enameled bangles - thrifted
  • Glass bangle - thrifted

Vizzini! Mom's here! 
"Did she bring treats?"


No, you rude boy. Come down and say hi. 
"She does give good massages..."


Mom settled in and began her 'cat whispering.'
"I love the Mom-Lady."


I've been to the Abkhazi Gardens before - scroll down a ways here in April 2019 for the Winesday Women Spring Tea.
Mom hadn't been in close to 20 years! About time we did this place together! About it here (including a good slideshow if you click one of the hexes). 

It's still major rhododendron season here due to the late spring. 
The gardens have rhodos that are over 70 years old. 

Mom's matching! 
Pink rhodos and pink leather.

In addition to the rhodos, there are many Gary Oaks that towered over us. 
We were sheltered from the spatterings of rain. 

The garden has levels of tall...
…then even taller. 

Inviting paths meander through. 
So pretty. 
I remembered this open area. 

Aw, and this bench...
I remember all of us sitting on it. 

Contrasting flowers. 
Two giant yellow peonies.
With dots of rain. 

The Japanese maples were very friendly. 
Much of the garden encroached on the paths.

Love this twisty tree. 
The lush undergrowth. 

Looking back at the teahouse.
We arrived just as the gardens had opened - there was a tour group there when we arrived, but we only encountered a few of them. 

This is an oasis in the midst of houses in this residential neighbourhood. 
It's all protected by The Land Conservancy. 

Every colour around us. 
Isn't Mom's pink leather coat fabulous? I thrifted it for her years ago. 

These orange blooms glowed.
Love this colour. 

We skirted the outer edge of the garden, then went up and around behind the teahouse. 
This section of paving is called the Yangtze River.
Mom remembered it being painted all different colours when she came here as a kid in the 50s. Cool to see some of the colour has survived. 

Growth everywhere. 
So much beauty. 

I love this twisty tree. 
Even the leaves are twisted. 

We could see the mountains in the USA to the south. 
This tree had three birdhouses in it. 
These pinecones were so weird. 
They look like they're made of circles of paper. 

This staircase attracted me. 
I dashed off for a look. 

Caught a hummingbird buzzing this bush. 
You could hear the winds whirring. 

Back around the lower section.
Yup, already been this way. 

Back up to the lotus pond. 
The gardens are laid out on the natural formations on the land. 

There are calla lilies growing at the far end, on the right. 
I headed back and caught up with Mom again. 

I love the contrast of the colours and forms here. 
With a pop of yellow! 

Gnarled branches.
Winding paths. 

We drove down to Fairfield Pub for lunch and both enjoyed quesadillas. 
Mom's in her "ice cream" top - it reminds me of vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Her necklace is a heavy serpentine silver one that my dad found on the side of the road many years ago. He cleaned it up and realized it was real silver. 

Thank you so much for the wonderful day, Mom! 
I love you! 

15 comments:

  1. How fortunate you are to be surrounded by all these glorious gardens! I love following along with you and your mom :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. The blazer, oh my, with the skirt and belt it is just perfect. Had to smiles because you are the only person I know who (consistently) dresses with such aplomb and classiness for an outing in nature. Most inspiring and I feel like it honors your Mom. :)

    Happy Weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oy, again, PS it’s Laurie

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the belt. Very beautiful. Just wondering where I can buy that belt. xxx Werner.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nature is so amazing right now isn't it! So bright green everywhere. And all the flowers are in full bloom. I love it! This is the best time of the year. What a fabulous jacket your mother is wearing, and I loed that laced up piece at her leggings or trousers. And your belt!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh ,20 years is much too long between visits. What a place to try and lose the world. The top looks cute to me, but if it doesn't feel right in the fit, best to move it along. As I'll be in shorts and t-shirts all weekend, it's nice to see others look so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Only on your blog would someone's jacket match the flowers. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Sheila, love your outfit and you are good to make a decision on the top if you're not feeling it you ain't feeling if. The jacket is stunning and there are your Mum's green beads again - love them. Speaking of your mum she looks a picture matching the rhodos in her jacket - which is such a nice shade of pink. Your photography of nature is gorgeous. Like a virtual trip for us readers. I hope you are well and I don't blame you still being careful have a great week - end Shazx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful photos! you look gorgeous, you have great style and you are very inspiring! Lovely blog :)
    Greetings from Poland!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What stunning gardens! I absolutely love this time of year for flowers. You've got me hankering for a National Trust trip so I can match the flowers like your mum!
    Love your green outfit and that photo of your mum photobombing your outfit pose. Vizzini looks like a wise old owl atop his perch like that!
    Have a fabulous weekend, my friend. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ah!!! Such a lovely day!!! You saw so many gorgeous flowers and shrubs.
    I love how well you and Mum matched the scenery! I would love to walk there.
    Oh Vizzini, such a ham!!! My Mum also has cat whisperer skills. (Actually, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, snake etc).
    I love your outfit, especially the gorgeous green jacket but agree the white top could be awkward- fussy in an inconvenient way!
    Hope you are well xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. That was Kezzie. Sorry, not able to sign in as me!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Loving your outfit, although I am definitely hearing you on the top! Even if we can try things on about everywhere now, I often don't bother with tops, as they're so cheap in the charity shops and yes, that's what happens! The DVF jacket is gorgeous and so is your green bling, particularly that stunning belt! And speaking of green: how green and lush are Abkhazi Gardens, and what a fantastic range of flowers. Your Mum's leather jacket is a stunner and what a stroke of luck that it matches those Rhodos exactly! Oh, and how fabulous to spot a hummingbird! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love your jacket! Your mom looks great too! you have soooo many amazing gardens in your area! Another breathtaking one!

    ReplyDelete
  15. That green floral jacket is beautiful and I really like this outfit - even if you didn't like the top, it looks lovely. As does your mum's fun pink jacket, and the garden! looks like such a nice place for a stroll :)

    ReplyDelete

Comments are so incredibly special, and I love them and hug them and treasure them forever. Please feel free to tell me what you think!

I'm not currently able to respond to comments, but I will make every effort to answer questions. I do read every single one, and appreciate your comments.

Please note that comments containing affiliate links spam-y sites, spam comments and anything I deem inappropriate will be deleted.

Cheers,
Sheila