Astoria, Oregon

October 19, 2025

Autumn Vibes

Eupatorium rugosum 'Chocolate' (Snakeroot) with Hydrangea 'Snow Queen' I love autumn - the crisp, cooler temperatures, the rain, and most of all, the fall colors. The year looks to be a nice one. I got back from a trip to Alabama last week and found that the colors were in full swing (unlike Alabama, where the temperatures were lovely with the exception of some mugginess but alas, no color at all). Japanese Maples are the first thing I think of when autumn comes to mind. This one is 'Bihou' and one of the first to change color. Acer palmatum 'Bihou' Other trees are beginning to change as well, including the Redbud 'Flame Thrower'. 'Flame Thrower' Redbud ( Cercis canadensis ) The star of the show now, however, is the Stewartia. It is just amazing and I remember it was beautiful last year as well. It's chief rivals, the Ginkgo and Black Tupelo, are only showing hints at the moment. Stewartia pseudocamellia The shady path - The most d...

Paul, Cindy and I drove to the coast today. It was a rainy start but cleared up soon and turned out to be a sunny but cold and windy day. Our first stop was Astoria where we stopped at the Maritime Museum then had lunch at Baked Alaska. We regretted that we did not have time to do and see everything. They loved Astoria and hope to return on a future trip and spend a night and an entire day here.

The maritime museum was fascinating and I feel like I learned quite a bit about the shipping trade as well as the geographical features of the Columbia River. I especially enjoyed reading about the trade routes and the items that we ship (and receive) to and from other countries. There was so much to see and read about here that we simply did not have time to view it all. Oh, and the gift shop was pretty fabulous too!