It’s Bloom Time
Remembering Mom.
My Mother passed away three years ago this spring and this season was always her favorite time of year - mainly because she was so excited about what was growing in her garden. In her memory, I’ve been visiting various farms and gardens in the area to discover what’s they’re growing. The Willamette Valley offers a grand showcase of color in the spring and following are a few highlights from my visits.
Schreiner’s Iris Garden is the place to be at sunrise! The rays of sun quietly emerge upon the garden shortly after it opens at 7am. The garden offers an overabundance of color wherever you look. Not only irises abound, but also poppies, peonies and columbine are everywhere. It feels overwhelming to know where to look first, but that’s why I returned again.
Deepwood Museum & Gardens is host to a beautiful formal garden that was established 125 years ago. There are many nature trails and a Queen Anne Victorian home which houses the museum. It just so happened that this was also the morning of the Super Flower Blood Moon eclipse that thrills stargazers such as myself. Undoubtedly it was worth getting up at 4am to experience the beauty both in the sky and in the garden. This public park is open year round and is well worth the visit!
The International Rose Test Garden is host to more than 10,000 rose bushes that bloom into the fall. My grandmother loved roses and I recall her being awarded a silver platter for her roses during the annual Rose Festival in the 60’s. I know she would have loved seeing these roses with fresh dew on them at sunrise. Being the international destination that it is, it’s always enjoyable to see new rose varieties and to meet interesting people from around the world.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a spectacular place to visit in April through May when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. It’s easy to get lost on the many shaded pathways that run adjacent to a spring-fed lake. Discovering a bench to pause and reflect is truly delightful. Aside from the gardens, there are over 90 species of birds to discover in this photographer’s paradise.
Wishing you many moments of happiness as you discover your favorite gardens this year!
~ Linda
“The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.”
- Gertrude Jekyll
Gertrude Jekyll was a British horticulturist, garden designer, craftswoman, photographer, writer and artist. She crated over 400 gardens in the UK, Europe and the US and wrote over 1000 articles for magazines.
