My Secret Garden

Marjorie Wallace

My Secret Garden

Near Puget Sound, Washington state

I think we all have a special place
that beckons to us.
When we see it, we ask ourselves,
“What is beyond that door?”
This intriguing garden gate
is that place for me.
It is not too far from where I live,
down this private lane,
on the waterfront.
I have gone there
all seasons of the year ….
it always calls to me.
Perhaps one day,
I will go and knock on their door
and meet the people who live there
just to see if the garden is
as wonderful as the promise.
That would satisfy my curiosity!
Or then again,
...maybe not!
Maybe I will just let it
remain a mystery
and keep it
perfect in my mind
and simply,
” my secret garden…..”

I have photographed this scene at most seasons of the year, but I think that Springtime is certainly the very best when the Rhododendrons bloom. In Washington State, the Coastal Rhododendron is our state flower. This hybrid was blooming the end of May.
Nikon D200 AR-S Nikkor 18-55mm

November ~ Over 1250 views
Sale of two cards

Featured GARDEN DESIGN + COLOR & LIGHT ~ April 2009
Featured HAPPY HAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY ~ 04 May 2009
Featured A GARDEN SOMEWHERE… 19 May 2009
Featured in COTTAGE STYLE group ~ 22 September 2009
Featured WELCOME TO WASHINGTON 27 September 2009
Featured in BEAUTIFUL group ~ 6 October 2009
Won second place in “Garden Gate” challenge in BACK YARD PHOTOGRAPHY ~15 October 2009
Featured COUNTRY GARDENS group ~ 25 October 2009
Winner of “Secret Garden” challenge in BACK YARD PHOTOGRAPHY ~ 29 October 2009
Featured in YOU ARE ACCEPTED ~ 12 Nov 2009

All the images and text contained herein may not be reproduced, copied, edited, published, transmitted or uploaded in any way without my express written permission. My images do not belong to the Public Domain. The removal of electronic copyright information, digital fingerprints, or embedded watermarks on any image is strictly prohibited.
© 2007 Marjorie Wallace, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

My Secret Garden belongs to the following groups:

"Old Things - 3 per Day", 2-a-week, 4 Winners Only, A Garden somewhere....., All About Flowers, All About Your Best Work, All Around the Styles, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Architectural Details, Architectural Photography, Backyard Photography (NO MACROS, DOGS, CATS, INSECTS, SKYSCAPES), Beautiful ~ 1 submission per 24 hours, Bits and Pieces , Blooming Trees - 2 per day, Cee's Fun Artsy Friends, Cottage Style, COUNTRY GARDENS! Come and grow with us! *NO SINGLE FLOWER SHOTS*, Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Everyday Life, First Things, Freedom In Words & Art, Friends of RedBubble, Landscape Photography, Live and Let Live, Mood & Ambience - Strictly Photos, Nostalgic Art and Photography, Pacific Northwest , PEACE, LOVE & TRANQUILITY, Photography - Rule of Thirds, PostCard Style (Describe your image please) Limit 2 per day), Rhododendrons, Rustic, Scenery, Seasonal 'Scapes, Shameless Self-Promotion, Spring Blooms - 2 per day, Stillness Speaks **Max 2 uploads per day** {{No NUDES, ABSTRACT, CANDIDS or ACTION IMAGES}}, The Addicted Photographer►2 Per Day◄, THE SISTERHOOD, The true beauty, The Woman Photographer **7 Submissions a week only please**, The World, United States, Welcome to Washington (The State!), Western United States Artists and Photographers, Which Way - walkways, pathways, stairways, and roadways, Who are YOU to Judge?, Windows and Doors and Your Magic PLACE (PLACES only!!) Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
My Secret Garden by Marjorie Wallace
My Secret Garden by Marjorie Wallace
  • Béla Török

    Béla Török

    Wonderful image dear Marjorie!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Bela.

  • Clark Thompson

    Clark Thompson

    This is such a lovely place and so well photographed, Marjie. Not knowing what is on the other side only adds to the mystic.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Clark. I am glad you understand and I appreciate your compliment.

  • Blair Wainman

    Blair Wainman

    What a beautiful image! It’s the door framed by the greenery and the path that create this compelling image! Well done!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Blair. I am glad you like this. It is one of my favorite places.

  • PhotosbyNan

    PhotosbyNan

    Oooooooooooooooooo! I absolutely love this and I agree…keep it mysterious. Marjie.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Nan. I am glad you see that too. I am looking forward to a snowy day to photograph this. Would love to have all seasons.

  • BleuRaven

    BleuRaven

    i love everything about this beautiful image and your wonderful descriptive commentary.
    the lovely stone path, the gorgeous flowering plants and trees and that amazing gate and wall !! that is beautiful !! i see why it is one of your favourite places ~ I love it !!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Karon. Everyone who sees this wants to know where it is. It is on a little lane I was following hoping to get to the waterfront. Isn’t is wonderful that places we discover when we are looking for something else?

  • Angie McKenzie

    Angie McKenzie

    lovely shot!!! looks like a beautiful place!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Angie!

  • Xandru

    Xandru

    There is an air of mystique in this photo. Its probably the closed door and not knowing what’s behind it. Like the composition and colors.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thak you so much for your thoughtful comments. I felt the same way.

  • Tibby Steedly

    Tibby Steedly

    This is so beautiful. It is inviting us to see what’s on the other side of the door! Maybe one day?

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you Tibby.

  • Rachel Stickney

    Rachel Stickney

    Wow, this is gorgeous, Marjie! Wonderful composition and I love your narrative. It does look very inviting!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Rachel.

  • Cheryl Lunde

    Cheryl Lunde

    What a lovely image, I love the book and always wanted a secret garden of my own. How nice you have this nearby your home to indulge yourself. Well done!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Cheryl.

  • Al Bourassa

    Al Bourassa

    Beautifully framed.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, AL.

  • Ann7f

    Ann7f

    If that’s a basket on the gate,like I think it is…I’d be tempted to leave the Garden little gifts of birdseed bells,or a pretty feather :.)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    What a wonderful thought, Annie. I will do that. I have also thought of leaving them a notecard with their featured garden gate. Just to let them know how their creation has inspired me.

  • Pat Yager

    Pat Yager

    Hi, Margie! Are you up to visiting there sometime with me? I think it would be a great adventure! – Pat

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Hi Pat! I left a message for you in your bubblemail. I look forward to talking to you.

  • EvaLarsen

    EvaLarsen

    What a most beautiful shot, and a wonderful entrance.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Eva.

  • seawhisper

    seawhisper

    mysterious door :)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Yes, I like this door. It makes me wonder…

  • jewelskings

    jewelskings

    Fantastic!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Jewels for you comment and the favorite.

  • tigerlady96

    tigerlady96

    Beautiful Picture

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much.

  • lorilee

    lorilee

    Enchanitng and beautiful!!!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much.

  • Martina Fagan

    Martina Fagan

    wonderfully inviting doorway :)
    great shot

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much

  • E.R. Bazor

    E.R. Bazor

    Such a beautiful photo!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, ER

  • Nanagahma

    Nanagahma

    I’ve always liked this, didn’t you have this on WS? Seems to me I downloaded it there! So pretty,and I love the write-up on this as well. Nice job!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much. Yes, you have a good memory. This one has been a favorite of mine for nearly three years.

  • kalaryder

    kalaryder

    This is so beautiful, very well taken

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much.

  • LindaJBazor

    LindaJBazor

    I agree with all of the above comments. Absolutely gorgeous! It looks so inviting and serene.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Linda. I appreciate your comments.

  • PhotosByG

    PhotosByG

    Congratulations! Your photo has been featured in “Garden Design + Colour & Light”

    This photo was chosen because it was of a very high quality and it captured exactly the sort of work we are looking for in this group.

    Please keep up the great work and we hope you continue to add more of your excellent photographs to our group.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much. I appreciate this honor so much.

  • 29Breizh33

    29Breizh33

    Beautifuly done. Congratulations.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so very much.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

  • Krys Bailey

    Krys Bailey

    This is so enchanting and romantic! Wouldn’t change a thing about it! Well seen and captured! ;o)

  • Marjorie Wallace

    Marjorie Wallace

    Thank you so much, Krys. I love your comments.

  • Mariann Rea

    Mariann Rea

    Oh Marjorie, I think you should definitely knock on that door. If it looks this good from the outside then it will most likely look even better from the inside. :)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thanks Mariana. I am sure that one day my curiosity will get the best of me.

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    a wonderful magical place for you .!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, yes. I like this alot.

  • carlosramos

    carlosramos

    Absolutely fantastic and true perfection in all aspect. It is paradise in the other side ?

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Carlos. I have never been inside here. One day I will have to. ;-)

  • Anji Johnston

    Anji Johnston

    Oh Marjorie ~ your photos have such calming effect. I could linger here all day!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Anji.

  • Joanne Bradley

    Joanne Bradley

    What a beautiful entrance and gate to this garden! And you have captured it perfectly!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you Joanne. I have tried this photo many ways and each one works so beautifully. Whoever designed this entryway certainly had the right idea, so it is a lovely scene.

  • SandraRos

    SandraRos

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Sandra. I am honored for this recognition. xoxoxox

  • Antanas

    Antanas

    lovely shot

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much!

  • Jan Timmons

    Jan Timmons

    Love your off-center placement of the stone path to the left and the way you captured the light past the circle. The rhodies look beautiful, too!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Jan. I had it centered for the longest time, but found the off center seemed to work better for a card. I love Rhodies that bloom in profusion here in my state of Washington.

  • Kelly Cavanaugh

    Kelly Cavanaugh

    The door is beautifully framed. Great work, Marjorie!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Kelly. Some day I would maybe like to visit this garden.

  • elfie

    elfie

    Everyone should have a “Secret Garden” this one looks so inviting,,nice shot..

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    I think so too. I am often reminded of the story of The Secret Garden. They just capture the imagination.

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    its so magical ..and so beautiful .. you have a wonderful gargen . I love it

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Gosh! I wish it were mine. LOL!

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    sorry its not yours lol ( time to wake up here lol ) its still beautiful :)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    You are so funny, Elaine! I actually do have a very private garden in the back of my house with a high fence all ‘round. But my entry gate is just cedar boards like all of the rest of the houses in my neighborhood. Statred out as a Japanese Garden two years ago, but since then, I would say it has become Euro-asian. Had to add a few roses, then a few perenniels… now I have simply gone crazy. I have flowers blooming everywhere and I feed my plants organically and you should see them thrive. A small yard and perfect size to keep up with.

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    oh I bet that is beautiful also .. :) xx

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Elaine.

  • Gina Cormier

    Gina Cormier

    A very lovely composition!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Gina.

  • GayeL Art

    GayeL Art

    What a beautiful place and well taken!!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Gaye.

  • LavenderMoon

    LavenderMoon

    Have you ever noticed that when it comes to gardening, some people just get everything exactly right? And the same with photography… yourself included! This is such a great shot of an enviable place…

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Oh, thank you so much, Lavender Moon. I so appreciate your comments. This has long been a favorite of mine and am so glad it strikes a cord with you.

  • Maureen Maliha

    Maureen Maliha

    Love this! What a beautiful place.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Maureen.:)))

  • Jonicool

    Jonicool

    Beautiful image…perfect title, that door beckons to be opened :)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much!

  • Cindirelli

    Cindirelli

    How awesome this is, Marjie! I love doors & gates, especially when they look old ~ like they have been there since before time! This is a great capture and I think I believe as you ~ that it might be better left in your imagination ~ after all, could anything ever compare? LOL ~:)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Sometimes it can be our imagination alone that makes it special. But whenever I drive to this part of the bay, I make a special trip to take a peek and see if anything is new or blooming.

  • Cindirelli

    Cindirelli

    I would do the same ~ going back time after time. When you find your perfect spot, it’s hard to go anywhere else. ~:)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Susan. I knew you would understand. Doesn’t it look like the perfect place on a summer day?

  • John44

    John44

    Yahooooooo.. the way to your private life :-)
    Excellent view.. good balance and mood
    xx
    John

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, John. My life is very private these days. LOL!

  • John44

    John44

    oh really ??
    :-)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Oh, you know! Just not too exciting.

  • John44

    John44

    mmm.. welll… ok.. aarrrrr….fine….

    lol

  • Wendi Donaldson

    Wendi Donaldson

    Oh my, this is SO inviting…...I love your description too. A beautiful shot…congrats on your success with this one.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Wendi. I love this too. I want to make cards of this to sell, but I think I need to get the owner’s permission.

  • PhotoAvenue

    PhotoAvenue

    Such a beautiful image…nicely done :-)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much. I appreciate your comments.

  • Kathy Reid

    Kathy Reid

    This entrance is beautiful and you have captured this with passion. Congrats on your many features with this beauty!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Kathy. It will always be one of my favorites too.

  • Ruth Lambert

    Ruth Lambert

    beautiful Marjorie!!! Nice to have you and your work with us!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Ruth. Your sweet comments always bring a smile to my face. xoxo

  • SandraRos

    SandraRos

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Sandra for this wonderful honor. This image is one of my personal favorites and I love it that you felt it was special enough to feature. This makes my day!!! xoxoxox

  • Lois Bryan

    Lois Bryan

    Oh Marjie this is sooooo beautiful!!!!! I’m with you … the sweet garden gate would beckon to me as well!!!!! Your image is just lovely!!!!!! And congratulations on your Feature!!!!!! YAY!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Lois. It is one of my favorites and i think I must go back to this house a get a release from these folks so that I can sell this image as a note card. Thank you for your wonderful comments. They make my day!!!

  • CarolM

    CarolM

    I love the mystery of doors and not knowing what is behind them. This is a lovely image with the greenry and pretty flowers framing that interesting door. Very pretty image and I too would love to see the other side. Beautiful shot.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Yes, it spoke to me as well. I thought it was beautiful.

  • Jen Ryan

    Jen Ryan

    Congrats!!! You’ve been featured in Welcome To Washington

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Jan for featuring “My Secret Garden.” This is a wonderful honor and I am so happy to be in the spotlight today.

  • Barbara Applegate

    Barbara Applegate

    Congratulations on your well deserved Feature. This is absolutely stunning

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Barbara for yur sweet commments.

  • RajeevKashyap

    RajeevKashyap

    Fabulous Work

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much!

  • Appel

    Appel

    What a beautiful setting and a beautiful image! Congrats on your feature – rhodi’s definitely portray WA and you’ve captured it very well!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much.

  • Chappy

    Chappy

    Congratulations on all your well deserved features.

    Chappy

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much!

  • E.R. Bazor

    E.R. Bazor


    Love it!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Estes for this feature. I am so honored by this privilege. I LOVE this group!!! It makes me happy to set my eyes on beauty so this is a blissful place to be.

  • seawhisper

    seawhisper

    Beautiful indeed looks like a secret garden :)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you! I appreciate your comments.

  • Patty Boyte

    Patty Boyte

    Stunning image, beautifully composed! Congratulations on your features, well deserved.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Patty. Much appreciated.

  • Angel Gold

    Angel Gold

    great image

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Angel.

  • Nira Dabush

    Nira Dabush

    Your secret garden, Marjorie.. is so BEAUTIFUL..
    Just love it.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you, Nira. I think I would like to go and meet these people who live here.

  • IntriCate

    IntriCate

    Gorgeous! To have such a garden…

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I am glad you like this.

  • John44

    John44

    Realy very nice
    John

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so very much, John.

  • SandraRos

    SandraRos

    Congratulations on your second place in the top 10 of the challenge in _Backyard Photography _ I have always loved this capture and I am so happy for you because you are really doing very well with it.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much for letting me know, Sandra and also for your sweet comments. I am so very happy for this honor and recognition from the other artists of Red Bubble. xoxoxoxox

  • Pam Moore

    Pam Moore

    This is Stunningly beautiful!!!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Pam. I am glad you liked it and took the time to leave your wonderful comment.

  • Svetlana Sewell

    Svetlana Sewell

    Gorgeous capture!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, darling girl. Your comment makes me smile.

  • Trudi's Images

    Trudi's Images


    Congratulations !

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Trudi for letting me know of this recognition. I am so grateful!

  • Jigsawman

    Jigsawman

    Love the composition on this one!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so very much for your nice compliment on my image. I am so glad you like it!

  • Marjorie Wallace

    Marjorie Wallace

    Thank you so much, everyone for your wonderful comments and appreciation. It means so much to me and I have gone to put on my dancing shoes for all of these features. I am beside myself with happiness.

  • Evita

    Evita

    Congratulations !!! Your beautiful work is featured in
    COUNTRY GARDENS

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Oooh, thank you so much, Evita for this honor. It means so very much to me.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied


    I am so happy for my feature in COUNTRY GARDENS group…:~)))

  • Pamela Phelps

    Pamela Phelps

    I would have to ask as well! This is gorgeous! Congratulations on your splendid feature!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much,Pamela. I am so glad you like it.

  • Judy Grant

    Judy Grant

    What a beauty ! Congrats on your features!

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you so much, Judy. I am honored for this recognition and appreciate your sweet comments.

  • shaneran

    shaneran

    what a gorgeous picture and yes it does pique my imagination to know what is beyond. Wonderful photography!! your pictures and writing just drip with creativity…. just lovely! ( congratulations on all your features… all so well deserved!! )

  • Marjorie Wallace replied

    Thank you very much, Jan. I am so glad you like this too. This property is most intriguing to me and I hope that one day I will be able to meet the owners.

  • ega39

    ega39

    This is so beautiful, love the texture and the colors

  • Marjorie Wallace replied about 1 month ago

    Thank you so much for your nice comments. It means so much to me.

  • Karen Helgesen

    Karen Helgesen about 1 month ago

  • Marjorie Wallace replied about 1 month ago

    Thank you very much for letting me know, Karen. I appreciate this honor.

  • R. Mike "Jake" Jacobson

    R. Mike "Jake"... about 1 month ago

    Congratulations on your win in the “My Secret Garden” challenge. A well deserved honor for a beautiful photo.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied about 1 month ago

    Thank you so much, Mike for your nice comments. I appreciate the honor of winning the challenge and am very happy for this recognition.

  • dinghysailor1

    dinghysailor1 about 1 month ago

    wonderfully captured and huge congratulations on the challenge win too!
    cheering
    :)))

  • Marjorie Wallace replied about 1 month ago

    Thank you so much, Maggie. I am so happy for this honor, for this is one of my favorite works.

  • Bill Marsh

    Bill Marsh about 1 month ago

    Simply beautiful :

    Congratulations on your challenge win.

    Take Care.

    Bill.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied about 1 month ago

    Thank you so much, Bill. I appreciate you leaving this comment for me. Have a wonderful day! :~))

  • Cee Neuner

    Cee Neuner 18 days ago

    wonderful Marjorie!! :D

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 18 days ago

    Thank you very much, Cee. I appreciate your comments. :~)

  • Nancy Chambers

    Nancy Chambers 16 days ago

    11-12-09

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 16 days ago

    Thank you so very much, Nancy for featuring me in your group. I feel very priviledged and honored for this recoginition. :~)

  • Cindirelli

    Cindirelli 16 days ago

    Congratulations on a well deserved feature, Marjie! ~:)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 16 days ago

    Thank you so much, Susan. I am happy for this honor. :~)

  • tori yule

    tori yule 15 days ago

    perfect image

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 13 days ago

    Thank you very much, Tori. I am glad you like it.

  • Lyn Evans

    Lyn Evans 14 days ago

    Oh I do love this Marjie…I want to just push that door and see whats on the other side.

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 13 days ago

    Thank you very much, Lyn. Actually, I have been on the inside and it is even better than I had imagined…. :~)

  • Renee Dawson

    Renee Dawson 14 days ago

    A delightful story & beautiful image Marjorie. My curiousity would get the better of me. I would LOVE to see what’s behind that door! :)

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 13 days ago

    Thank you so much, Renee. I have seen the inside now. It is just so charming with a wonderful place to sit and have lunch or tea.

  • billfox256

    billfox256 6 days ago

    A secret garden is a very special place whose secret should never be revealed and kept within the heart and mind. Bill

  • Marjorie Wallace replied 6 days ago

    What wonderful words you speak here. The imagination is often more magic than reality ever could be.

Add your comment

You need to login or signup to add your comment to this work.