Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens on Whidbey Island is Magical 

Meerkerk Gardens Annual Festival of Flowers and Fairies

Words can barely describe my state of bliss yesterday at the Annual Festival of Flowers and Fairies, at the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens in Greenbank on Whidbey Island. (I can't believe that I've lived here for eleven years and have never been to this island jewel.) It was pure magic with two four-year-olds who delighted in exploring the rhoddedenderon gardens on this brisk spring day. The daffodils were in perfect bloom and some of the thousands of rhoddys they must have there were starting to bloom, too. The fifty-year-old Rhododendron Fortunei, however, was in full bloom and was the most spectacular rhododendron I have ever laid eyes on. (Ben and Chloe sat on a bench on front of it for a picture which is included in the below slideshow.)

Kristi, the Meerkerk Director, sang flower-related songs to the kids, their eyes were as big as saucers as they watched and listened with delight and wonder. The festival of flowers and fairies offered so much to these little ones and I was utterly absorbed and immensely fulfilled watching them digest such a deliciously vivid and magical day. I know that I'll be back soon to visit the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens–after all, the rhoddys are only just beginning to blossom.

Magic Slideshow is below the picture–it may take several seconds to load, just be patient. :)