When I lived in Seattle I didn't know anything about the Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden, but I did know this building. You catch a glimpse of it from Washington State Route 18, which I took on occasion.
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As far as I was concerned it was magical. Low, somewhat blending and "of the land'...plus it was covered in green. I never actually bothered to venture any closer than the quick glimpse, always on my way somewhere.
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I did know it was the corporate campus of Weyerhaeuser, which is "one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands. It owns more than 13 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manages another 14 million acres under long-term licenses in Canada. The company also manufactures wood and cellulose fiber products." (source)
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Truth be told it was the sale of the campus that had me finally visiting the garden last November (fear of it's possible closure) and thus finally seeing this building up close.
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The fog off in the distance hangs over St Rt 18, that was my vantage point, back then.
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Now I was finally exploring up-close and personal. It was wonderful, and a little eerie. After all the place was deserted.
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That's my car facing us, there was someone sitting in the car backed into place, and off in the distance are a few cars belonging to people at the garden. Otherwise, empty.
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A rill!
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The main entrance...
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The building was empty too. With just a few left-over boxes strewn about. I wonder if they'll find a new tenant? Or if this wonderful structure will be demolished?
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This is the view from the other side, from an access road off of Interstate-5.
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Close enough to the Interstate to see and hear the traffic, yet it felt far far away.
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Beautiful.
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And now I finally know it's even more magical up close.
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Weather Diary, March 13: Hi 53, Low 47/ Precip .66"
All material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
As far as I was concerned it was magical. Low, somewhat blending and "of the land'...plus it was covered in green. I never actually bothered to venture any closer than the quick glimpse, always on my way somewhere.
I did know it was the corporate campus of Weyerhaeuser, which is "one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands. It owns more than 13 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manages another 14 million acres under long-term licenses in Canada. The company also manufactures wood and cellulose fiber products." (source)
Truth be told it was the sale of the campus that had me finally visiting the garden last November (fear of it's possible closure) and thus finally seeing this building up close.
The fog off in the distance hangs over St Rt 18, that was my vantage point, back then.
Now I was finally exploring up-close and personal. It was wonderful, and a little eerie. After all the place was deserted.
That's my car facing us, there was someone sitting in the car backed into place, and off in the distance are a few cars belonging to people at the garden. Otherwise, empty.
A rill!
The main entrance...
The building was empty too. With just a few left-over boxes strewn about. I wonder if they'll find a new tenant? Or if this wonderful structure will be demolished?
This is the view from the other side, from an access road off of Interstate-5.
Close enough to the Interstate to see and hear the traffic, yet it felt far far away.
Beautiful.
And now I finally know it's even more magical up close.
Weather Diary, March 13: Hi 53, Low 47/ Precip .66"
All material © 2009-2017 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.