Skip to main content

Featured

The Garden Awakens

Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

I don't know where Portland ranks when it comes to public parks but they have to be near the top of the list. According to Wikipedia, there are at least 279 public parks covering more than 10,000 acres. Pier Park, located in the St. Johns neighborhood, covers around 87 acres. It is characterized by mature evergreen trees. Our friends - Todd, Rebecca and McKenzie, who moved to Portland from Florence, Alabama last year - live just a few blocks from this park. Rebecca walks her neighbor's dogs here every day. The park is popular for walkers, joggers and fans of frisbee golf. The NBC televison series "Grimm" also films scenes here.


Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon

Pier Park, Portland, Oregon



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. A beautiful park! Those trees, the incredible bark, the fern covered roof of the brick building are wonderful. When will you be calling Portland your home?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Picture #4 is a work of art! Great job, Phillip!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Another wonderful park in Portland! My lucky son lives there and likes to show me all the great places when I visit. There is never enough time!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts