Thursday, July 28, 2016

The arboretum at UC-Santa Cruz

Late on the second day of our visit I took some time to explore the arboretum on the UC-Santa Cruz campus. What a wonderful and very different landscape than the main area up in the redwood forest!


This path was inviting and magical, and I love the carpenter bee sculpture:


There was gorgeous color along this path, so lush against the background of golden grasses.


Sadly I didn't have time to peruse each plant and document the names of things but I greatly enjoyed my walk and the quick browse. This tree made me want to climb in and hide out with a book.


I loved this brightly colored flower.


This was a favorite vista, in part because it is so different from our lush green in North Carolina.


The succulent bed was lovely. My photo doesn't capture the essence of the color it held.


The palm felt almost misplaced here, but was striking in its height.


Loved this little side path and the message on the bench.


I would love to have seen owls but it wasn't the right time of day.


This scene was striking too - I was up on a hill and the clouds looked like flying saucers in the distance. Wouldn't have been surprised if Mulder and Scully had appeared. 


This was simply gorgeous. I wish I could have one of these here on November Hill.


I saw this on my way out. I was one of only a few people there that afternoon and would have been spooked a little had I seen it going in!


This is only the tiniest look at the arboretum. I only took one path and didn't have time to fully explore the place. I hope I can go back again and see it for a longer visit. I love that it is actually on the campus. What a gorgeous place to unwind after class!

4 comments:

Matthew said...

Lovely to see the places you guys visited on your California Tour!

billie said...

I still have so many photos to go!

Grey Horse Matters said...

It's certainly a very pretty area. I've always liked the different trees and plants on the west coast. I wonder if you couldn't have that red plant where you live. You don't get the severe winters I do. Maybe, you could bring it in during the colder months?

billie said...

Arlene, that is a thought. Though it's HUGE so I'm not sure where I would put it. Makes me want my Biltmore House style greenhouse. :)