The first impressive thing about Red Butte Garden is its place. Snuggled in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, it is tucked beside the UofU campus. This is a wilderness area, as Red Butte Canyon has been protect for many generations. The main road up the canyon is usually closed to all but foot traffic. 20 years ago it was decided that this unique spot, at the mouth of the canyon, would be perfect for an arboretum and garden. It is sad, incredibly sad, that we have never visited. The holiday weekend was deemed the time to rectify that oversight, despite the cloudy weather.
What a delightful day it was strolling around the garden while sharing the views with the sock, Summer Peaches. The first area we walked into had two arbors with exquisite wisteria drooping down from the top. It was breath taking! It turned out there are four arbors which hold different colors of wisteria vines; pink, and lavender and white. The flowers were fading but still glorious. Next year we plan to be there early enough to catch the wisteria at its peak, and the lilacs, too. A delightful chorus of chipping birds followed us throughout the garden.
The socks enjoyed a view of the herb garden from a high point. You can see the second sock is just past the picot edge. The herb garden was so much fun to walk through. Our patio had herbs a few years ago, both in the ground and in pots. Smith said "We should have some herbs in pots". I said, "We did, and you killed them every time I left town for a few days." End of story. 
Walking through the many layers and types of gardens gives you gardening fever. But at this point, it is best we enjoy gardens vicariously, more as voyeurs. We wandered into a wild flower area (not too many flowers as yet) just before entering a forest of gamble oaks. A tunnel of branches leads to a trail that loops back along the creek, Red Butte Creek. We found a picnic area that would be perfect later this summer when the temperatures climb. A revisit will be in order then. We followed the creek down and crossed a bridge where it was lined with tiny, brightly yellow flowers.
Around the next bend a large open area came into view. This is the water garden and, on the other side, an amphitheater where the summer concerts are held.
There were blooming plants all along our way. If only I could show them all to you. While not fond of green in my wardrobe, this is the place for it. The many varied colors of green made for a riot of color, along with many other blossoms and plants. 
Hours can be spent sitting (think knitting!), picnicking, strolling, hiking and any number of other activities. The acreage is large and the gardens are divided into many different varieties. We decided to become members so that we can visit anytime the mood strikes. It will be a perfect place to show off some knitting, too.
If you would like to see more of Utah, head over to Neena’s blog (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday entries) . She just returned from a river trip down the Yampa Riber. Have an enjoyable weekend, everyone!
Red Butte is drop dead gorgeous! I can only aspire. You can predict that I loved the landscape/garden pictures.
Wow. WOW.
Posted by: Laurie | June 03, 2005 at 04:44 AM
So beautiful...I love that picture of the tunnel of trees.
Posted by: Kathleen | June 03, 2005 at 04:52 AM
What a beautiful spot! I'm glad you became a member so we can see more pictures of those gardens.
Posted by: Carole | June 03, 2005 at 05:34 AM
Wonderful pictures! I love the tunnel of trees - what a great place to play (always thinking of the kids!). We live near Longwood Gardens in PA, while beautiful, it doesn't come close to the pics you shared today!
Posted by: Jackie | June 03, 2005 at 05:38 AM
Thanks for the preview! We were thinking about some of the summer concert series offerings and now that I know how gorgeous it is there, I guess we have to go!!
Posted by: Anne | June 03, 2005 at 05:57 AM
So lovely, thank you for sharing. I'm wondering what it says about me that between you and Claudia I am itching to cast on another striped sock?:)
Posted by: Teresa C | June 03, 2005 at 06:05 AM
Oh my.......what incredible pictures!! I love the wisteria and the tree tunnel! The yellow chaintree, reminds me of a colorway that I am working on. How beautiful your corner of the world is right now!
Posted by: Kim | June 03, 2005 at 06:12 AM
What lucky socks! What a lovely area...I would want to visit often if I were you too! Have a wonderful weekend :) Your post was a nice way to start my day.
Posted by: michele | June 03, 2005 at 06:19 AM
Beautiful shots...I love the wisteria! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jan | June 03, 2005 at 06:26 AM
That is stunning. You've reminded me that one of my favorite places in the whole world (so far) is the Montreal Botanic Gardens. I haven't been in a few years now, and, as you said here, that is SAD. Must rectify that situation....and bring some knitting!
Posted by: Norma | June 03, 2005 at 06:36 AM
The Red Butte Gardens are beautiul. What a great place to spend the day with friends and "the Sock". Hope you have another weekend as fun!
Posted by: Wendy G | June 03, 2005 at 06:47 AM
Breathtaking!
Posted by: Vicki | June 03, 2005 at 06:52 AM
Margene,the photos are beautiful as usual. I am in love with that sock yarn. What brand and color is it? I think I read that on your blog, but can't find it again
Paula
Posted by: Paula | June 03, 2005 at 07:06 AM
Ah, wisteria and lilacs--my favorites. Love the photos, thank you for sharing them.
Posted by: Colleen | June 03, 2005 at 07:20 AM
The wisterias are magnificent, but then, so is the whole garden. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Marina | June 03, 2005 at 07:21 AM
Wisteria! Gosh. I feel faint!
There are some amazing garden photos making the rounds right now, but I think yours take the cake. The tree-tunnel is almost otherworldly.
Posted by: Beth S. | June 03, 2005 at 07:29 AM
It's so nice to see the socks getting out and about, especially in such lovely surroundings. Tell Smith not to feel bad, because I did the same herbs in pots thing and I killed them all (with kindness, mind you, but they still died).
Posted by: Susan | June 03, 2005 at 07:37 AM
I can't imagine a lovlier way / place to spend the weekend. I see Anne says there is a concert series offered there. Whew!! Have a good weekend.
Posted by: Judy | June 03, 2005 at 07:39 AM
Thanks for sharing all of that luscious beauty with us. Have a great weekend!
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya | June 03, 2005 at 07:44 AM
What a delightful tour! Thanks! It is just the nudge I need to plan some trips to favorite gardens - like Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT and Longwood Gardens somewhere in PA. And seek out others I haven't been to yet.
Posted by: Chris | June 03, 2005 at 07:46 AM
What a gorgeous, fairytale-like place! Wow :)
Posted by: Amy | June 03, 2005 at 07:47 AM
Oh, my. Your photos are wonderful. Thanks so much for the tour.
Posted by: Jane | June 03, 2005 at 08:38 AM
I just love Red Butte. We're thinking of holding Hannah's Bat Mitzvah there.
Posted by: susan | June 03, 2005 at 09:22 AM
What beautiful pictures! Of course my sock-in-progress is no longer speaking to me out of jealousy.
Posted by: Bliss | June 03, 2005 at 09:23 AM
Love the trees across the path photo.
Posted by: Neena | June 03, 2005 at 09:43 AM