Bloedel Reserve Garden on Bainbridge Island

May 9, 2015monpetitseattle Leave a comment

Two weeks ago, we went for the first time to the Bloedel Reserve Garden on Bainbridge Island. This is a short ferry ride from Seattle followed by a 15-minute drive.

We did not know what to expect, all we heard was that it was a nice garden. At first, we were surprised by its size. This is a 140-acre garden where you can spend plenty of time. The paths and trails are well designed and it is easy to walk around.
You never get bored, as the landscape is really diverse, with different areas such as a meadow, ponds, a Japanese garden, and a reflection pool. There is also a forest wetland where we saw five deer from only 30 feet away. A residence sits in a beautiful park with a phenomenal full view on the Puget Sound and Mount Baker in the back.
The entire family can enjoy it.

— A few things to know before you go:
– The admission is $15 per person (which is rather pricy) so be sure to get there somewhat early so you have enough time to enjoy the different areas.
– Open from 10am to 4pm
– There is no coffee shop, restaurant, or picnic area and no food is allowed in the garden.

— Bloedel Reserve 7571 NE Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Parklets: for people to sit, and enjoy the city

May 4, 2015monpetitseattle Leave a comment

You may have seen little decks around the city, installed along the streets like sidewalk extensions, using several parking spaces. They are called parklets. Different from the restaurants terraces, they are public and everybody can enjoy them. They are owned and managed by the city of Seattle.

I like the parklets because they provide something convivial to each community or neighborhood. They may be decorated with plants or art, and there are benches or chairs where you can rest. I saw most of them this winter so they were not often used but I can’t wait to see them during summer time!

There are around 15 parklets all over the city but there are plans to create more. I am not sure they can install any downtown or around south lake union where parking spots are already so difficult to find.

Here are the ones I have seen and pictured: Montana Bar (Capitol Hill) close to Crumble and Flake, Cortona Café (Central District) with painted glass mosaic made by the community, and Oasis Tea Zone (intl district, china town)