Saturday morning of the 2013 Garden Bloggers Fling found me, and a few dozen other bloggers, up early and at the Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park. We had registered for an optional photography class taught by Saxon Holt. While I was thrilled to learn a few pointers from such a renowned garden photographer I was also excited to visit the botanical garden again (I'd been once before, in 2009).
Being less than focused so early in the morning meant both my mind and body wandered a bit. After all a huge Leucadendron argenteum was calling to me...
Saxon pulled us deeper into the park, finding the perfect location to illustrate "filling the frame" our lesson for the morning, before setting us free to roam the garden and put the skills he'd taught us to use.
Sadly there were no carefully considered shots from me, instead I went a little plant crazy and just started shooting. For example this huge shrub stopped me cold, once I realized what it is.
Pineapple Guava, Feijoa sellowiana. It's one thing to read how big something can get, another thing entirely to see it for yourself.
One of the drawbacks of visiting the garden before they opened for the day? Working your way around the sprinklers.
I had no problem obeying this sign.
This one however? Oh so hard to stay out...
Super tall Schefflera taiwaniana?
Glowing puya...
Yes, I'd found my way to the succulent garden.
These leaves looked familiar.
Bocconia arborea, reminding me of my Bocconia frutescens back home.
By now I'd ran into my friend Peter and we'd realized we'd better start back for the front gate or risk getting left behind. I was relieved when we caught up with Kelly and Andrea, the fling organizers. We couldn't possibly miss the bus as long as we kept them in our sights.
Acnistus australis, I believe.
There is so much to see in this 55-acre garden. I'd only just scratched the surface.
I guess I'll just have to visit again...soon.
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