Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens

When traveling, no matter what my destination is, I always love to tour the local gardens, for where there are flowers, there are usually butterflies too. Last week I visited the coastal city of Santa Barbara, California. Nestled in the foothills above this charming & quaint town is a 78 acre native plant garden. Although, sadly, some of its grounds where singed by the Jesusita Fire last May, much of the main garden area was spared and is as beautiful as ever.

A Northern White Skipper dances atop a bright Desert Marigold

Western columbine blazes safely amidst the vibrant greenery of the gardens

A Juba Skipper delights in the lovely lavender blossoms flaunted by one of California's Native Verbenas

Resting upon its leafy pad, a Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar advena) looks much like the sun floating in an emerald sky

A Mylitta Cresent Butterfly gently alights upon some feathered foliage...

A Flamed Skimmer beams about like mischief upon wing

Another Northern White Skipper flutters by brightening an already beautiful sunshiny day

A gentle ocean breeze sways sleepy treetops as the creek below softy whispers its mellow song. In the canopies overhead one can spy butterflies silently fluttering by. They are heading to a tranquil field beyond the forest, a meadow blooming with peace and beauty. Who could not enjoy such a place as this! Think I will most definitely have to visit the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens again in the springtime. Looking forward to seeing all the new growth and re-growth it will bring. -K. D’Angelo

To learn more about the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden click the following link…

http://www.sbbg.org