On the spur of the moment we fitted in another mini break.  This time while down in the Vancouver area we ventured over the line down to Whidbey Island.  It has been several years since we last visited this area.  We stopped in La Conner on the way and enjoyed browsing through the various gift and antique stores.  Initially the weather was grim but once we reached Coupeville the sun was shining and we were able to appreciate the surrounding vistas.  We had a lovely lunch overlooking the waterfront and booked into the Coupeville Inn.  You really do not have to travel far to experience a setting similar to the Oregon coast with ocean mists and coastal architecture.  

We traveled further down Whidbey Island and discovered Greenbank Farm.  In addition to having a wine shop, specialty cheeses, art and crafts plus restaurant, I was once again drawn to the garden area which was very well designed and laid out.  Since researching this area, I discovered Greenbank Farm is a community-founded nonprofit organization which manages 151 acres of publicly owned space.  Once again, this is another spot which is definitely worth a visit.   Flowers in abundance in the gardens included japanese anemone, sedums, lavender and ornamental grasses with a lovely backdrop of various large deciduous trees.  It was late in the afternoon when we arrived and the setting was just perfect with the sun filtering through the trees and foliage.