Schreiner’s Iris Gardens planning to reopen display gardens this spring

The Reckless Abandon iris from Schreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) In the years before COVID-19 gripped the world, Shreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon, hosted an iris festival during bloom season in May, in conjunction with KeizerFEST. Their iris fields and display gardens were open during that time. Last year's … Continue reading Schreiner’s Iris Gardens planning to reopen display gardens this spring

2021 Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market opens March 20

Peaches at the downtown Vancouver Farmers Market in Vancouver, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Spring is coming! There's no better sign of it in Southwest Washington than when the farmers markets start opening. In Vancouver, the Downtown Farmers Market is opening on Saturday, March 20. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. … Continue reading 2021 Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market opens March 20

Maine Maple Sunday returns March 27-28

Collecting sap from a maple tree in Maine (photo credit: Maine Maple Producers Association) After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maine Maple Sunday is returning Saturday-Sunday, March 27-28. This year, more than 100 maple sugar houses will participate. Maple sugar hours are adjusting their hours and purchase options this year, which include … Continue reading Maine Maple Sunday returns March 27-28

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon, returns March 19-May 2

Tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) After a year off due to the COVID pandemic, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival returns from Friday, March 19, until Sunday, May 2. This year, all tickets must be purchased online, and COVID safety protocols will be in place. Season tickets … Continue reading Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon, returns March 19-May 2

Armchair photo tours: Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon

Photos by Cheryl Landes Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon, is the largest dahlia grower in the country. From early August through late September, 40 acres of fields are in bloom at this farm 24 miles south of Portland. Each row contains a different color and variety of dahlia. From a distance, the fields resemble … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon

Armchair photo tours: The Clackamas County Lavender Festival at the Oregon Lavender Farm

Photos by Cheryl Landes The Oregon Lavender Farm in Oregon City hosts the Clackamas County Lavender Festival every year. The farm is open to the public during the festival only. The 2020 festival has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the pictures in today's armchair photo tour are from a trip to a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Clackamas County Lavender Festival at the Oregon Lavender Farm

Armchair photo tours: Heirloom Roses in Saint Paul, Oregon

Photos by Cheryl Landes On the About page of the Heirloom Roses website, owners Ben and Kara Hanna wrote, "Our love of roses is deeply rooted in our knowledge that gardens go beyond just physical beauty. It provides a place of solace or social gatherings, where peace and beauty can be enjoyed to refresh a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Heirloom Roses in Saint Paul, Oregon