Businesses come and businesses go. Big chain stores replace independent stores. But in and around Pasadena, nurseries abide. In Pasadena there are three independent nurseries that have been in business for over 80 years. This is one of them: Bellefontaine Nursery. The other two are Lincoln Avenue Nursery and Burkhard Nursery. A little distance to the southeast, and huge, is the San Gabriel Nursery. I admit it; I've bought plants and potting mix from the chains, but I'm not going to do that anymore. The history of these nurseries reflects a larger history: German immigration, Japanese immigration, war and Japanese internment, community spirit, perseverance. In the present, these nurseries are run by people who honor their heritage and know and love plants.
We almost didn't get to paint here, and I'm really glad we did. There are beautiful and surprising shrubs and trees. Huge butterflies flutter from flower to flower. Hummingbirds are on to it too. There is a smell of sweet roses and ripe concord grapes.
I like this painting a lot. I go to all three nurseries. Recently purchased a Orange tree from Lincoln nursery. There is also a great nursery under the power lines over by the old Fedco
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy we got to paint here too! :-)
ReplyDeleteGuessed it was a nursery even before I read the post, nice to have access to nurseries, gardening can be a rewarding passion.
ReplyDeletenicely done...enjoyed seeing ur art works!
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