I’m ignoring the fact that this morning I detected a hint of gloomy skies. I’m making the most of every last ray of summer sunshine!

Before the summer flowers began to fade, I got to attend a garden party for everyone who volunteered at the Pacific Northwest Flower & Garden Show.

I’ve been fascinated by flowers ever since I can remember. When I was twelve, I began creating my own garden and won the Golden Scoop Award in the Pacific Northwest Competition for Home Gardeners.

Here I am planting my first tree.

And here’s my garden four years later. Can you find that tree?!

From that moment on, I’ve never looked back on my love for nature. I’ve been an Arboretum Foundation volunteer for over a decade, and admired all the horticulture experts I’ve been privileged to meet there.

This event was held at an impressive University of Washington farm, which is run by students. The produce grown there is served at campus eateries.

We got to taste some of the students’ harvest at the volunteer-appreciation party.

I came early to enjoy a farm tour and snap pics.

This haven is nestled in the bustling city of Seattle, but the tranquility of the landscape makes it feel like a rural island insulated from the metropolis.

I never wanted to return to the real world again…which is probably why I lingered taking so many pictures. Something about this beautiful scenery makes a girl pose happy:)

Thank you, Arboretum Foundation, for hosting this event and supporting 230 acres of natural beauty.

I couldn’t leave without making a wish at the well:)