(“Oregon Route 6, known as the Wilson River Highway, is a scenic but treacherous 52-mile route connecting Tillamook (U.S. 101) to the Portland metro area (U.S. 26) through the Tillamook State Forest. Completed in 1941, this critical coastal artery is notorious for steep grades, heavy winter rain/snow, and constant slope erosion causing hazardous conditions.”)
The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon helpfully arranged a “mini-tour” of gardens on Sunday April 19, a bright warmish day. For someone still grappling with issues of dormancy and spring emergence in this climate, I was determined to attend. The big obstacle as always is Highway 6, the essential highway to Portland from the coast. On a good day the two-lane highway is a challenge to drive. With road crews working on portions of the highway washed out over winter, the anticipated lengthy delays totaled maybe five minutes — great job, ODOT! The road conditions are very reminiscent of the continuous land movement issues of the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s coastal road in Southern California.
These were all smallish urban gardens showing decades of experience in plant selection to absorb — just the kind of gardens I want to see. The major distinction to my full-sun garden is that the majority of plantings were with woodland plants that cover the ground early in spring. Big thanks to the generous garden hosts — so glad I braved Highway 6 for the tour!
The flowers look already abundant there, which I wouldn’t have as expected this early in Oregon. I’m impressed by those dainty fuchsias and of course the peonies!