Shadow Play

Time for another gallery of light and shadows, to celebrate shadow play on outside and inside surfaces. In Elements of the Chinese Garden, we learned that walls are an important element of Chinese gardens for capturing shadows and displaying poetry. In this collection, walls are not the only element for capturing shadows. Containers, garden hardscape, ground surfaces, brick walls, and broken terra cotta pots also serve the purpose. Enjoy this latest gallery of shadow play from everyday life.

Japanese maple leaves and shadows

Foliage shadows on white support beam

Light and shadow from woven wooden blinds

Japanese maple leaves detail

Light and shadow in the side yard

Cherry tomatoes and leaves shadow

Lacy leaves

Oak tree shadow on the patio

Dappled shadow on the concrete path

Light and shadow on brick and terra cotta

More Fond Memories of Alaska

I have a few more wonderful memories from my recent trip to Juneau, Alaska, this time in the realm of flora and fauna. To start, it was such a thrill to watch a black bear forage for greens on the side of the road. He was probably fresh from hibernation and very hungry (dandelions seemed to be his favorite). 

Black bear out near Eagle River area

It was also fascinating to see the engineering work of the beavers near Mendenhall Glacier. The beavers dam a waterway, which floods the land and creates a pond and a new home for the beaver family. The dead trees are a little unsightly, but they are used by the beavers and help create an ecosystem for other critters. Nothing goes to waste. 

Beaver dam near Mendenhall Glacier

Birds are abundant in Southeast Alaska (a good pair of binoculars should always be in the car or the back pack). I reported on the birds we spotted on the Audubon cruise. Here are a few more avian species that I saw while out and about (the quality isn't great, so I'm obviously challenged when photographing birds with my cell phone)!

An unkindness of ravens near the landfill

Clockwise from top left: Red-breasted sapsucker, eagle in the tree top, eagle in flight, and a single raven on an old snag

Trees are abundant in Southeast Alaska, and especially green and lush in the Juneau area due to so much rain. My dad worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a research scientist, specializing in Sitka spruce and other native trees. Our family hikes were filled with interesting information about trees, shrubs, and the ecosystems that supported them. Dad's enthusiasm was contagious, and I credit my interest in plants to those family hikes.

Spruce tree on one of the islands in the wetlands

My brother Dave also shared interesting information about plants, wildlife, and the terrain as we hiked and roamed during my visit. In addition, my childhood friend Ulla showed me some of the trees that were dislodged, when the Mendenhall River flooded with water that had built up behind Mendenhall Glacier (a jökulhlaup).

Emerging spruce tips (bright green) and cones (red)

Trees dislodged by a jökulhlaup

The flowers were emerging very slowly during my six-week visit, probably due to the long cool spring. Luckily the hardy dandelions were everywhere, just in time for hungry bears and deer. I know from my trip last year (June-September 2024) that many more native and exotic plants will bloom this summer: Alaskan roses, astilbe, buttercup, fireweed, forget-me-not, foxglove, garden loosestrife, iris, ladies' mantle, orange hawkweed, peonies, Shasta daisy, thistle, and more!

Clockwise from top left: salmonberry blossom, shooting stars, lupines, and dandelions

Finally, I'm always on the lookout for interesting moss, lichen and algae! I was not disappointed. I found specimens near the glacier, on the beach, in the forest, on the wetlands, and in my parent's yard. I collected a few samples that might be good candidates for dye sources, with the right mordants, additives, and fixatives.

Clockwise from top left: lichens on a rock outcrop, detail of a lichen, algae, a colony of algae, lichen on the ground, lichen hanging from a tree

That wraps it up. I really enjoyed spending six weeks in Alaska with family and friends, watching spring unfold, and enjoying community life. I love the grand and small beauty, and love all the rain. It's also good to be back in my home and garden, with family and friends and our garden!

Fond Memories of Alaska

I've been home for about a month now, after my six-week trip to Alaska to visit my mom, dad, and brother. It's always nice to get back to your own home and garden, but I have so many wonderful memories of my time in Juneau, Alaska. I enjoyed being in nature, watching the slow spring emerge, spending time with my family, participating in activities, enjoying the spirit of the place, and renewing childhood friendships. Here are a few shots from my visit.

Chilkat Mountain Range

I'm continually captivated by the Chilkat Mountain Range, which is visible from my folks' front porch, from Douglas Island, out the road, and from the sea. The mountain range seemed especially big and grand and magical this year, possibly because the tops were still snow covered. The mountains are almost shape shifters, changing their appearance when seen from different vantage points and in different weather conditions.

Chilkat Range from Caroline's Point

Chilkat Range from Sunshine Cove

It is always a treat to hang out with Alaskans. They are a can-do, hardy lot, and passionate about the outdoors. If the sun comes out, they drop everything to get out in it. (And really, if it's raining they are probably out in it anyway and enjoying themselves)! I had so many wonderful outings with my brother and mom, and enjoyed reconnecting with several childhood chums. 

Hiking on the wetlands with brother Dave

Hiking and birding with Ulla and friends

Photographing lichen with Dave

Childhood chum, Ulla, and I holding the cakes

Alaskans also appreciate the arts and culture, and support both outside and local talent. During the visit, we took in events at the Jazz and Classics Festival, TrollFest, Mother's Day at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, a couple of True Crime talks by local reporters, piano performances at the Pioneer Home, and an Audubon cruise. These events are often followed by a meal at a favorite restaurant, with lots of conversation and opinions.

Tom Locher on piano at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum

Bear claw - indigenous art on native land

TJ on Piano is a big hit at the Pioneer Home

It was also a treat to be back in my childhood home, which Mom and Dad built over the years as the family grew and we needed more room. The house is snug and comfortable, and filled with wonderful history, memories, and craftsmanship.

My childhood home (with spring grass just starting to grow)

Dad has the best workshop

The view from my old room

Finally, there is that view of the Chilkat Mountain Range from my folks' place. The view changes continually with the weather, the seasons, and the time of day, so it never gets old.

View of the Chilkats