#8 Hendricks Park Rhody Garden

Hendricks Park Rhododendron Gardens are crazy in bloom. 46 acres on top of a hillside right at the edge of town -- this amazing park is a spring time stunner. I had the honor of visiting it in its glory this past weekend with my out of town friends (J & K -- thanks guys).















In addition to the countless colors and types of Rhodys, these gardens are lush with many other plants, making it one of my favorite parks years around.












And ME -- contemplating the fragrance and PLENTY that is western Oregon's spring!

#7 Ode to summer snow

wwwhhhheeeewwwww, it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks. Out of town visitors, thesis editing, spring cleaning, etc.

This posting is for my dear friend Neil B -- summer snow!

That's cottonwood duff (not snow) accumulating in the grass along the river path. It's the quantity of springtime flora fertility that makes the Willamette Valley so amazingly beautiful, and so thick with pollen this time of year. Lucky me -- I DON'T HAVE ALLERGIES.

#6 - Spring at The Hill -

There is something so good about going home.
Mom and Dad arrived home from 5 months in Costa Rica and I was able to deliver them to their doorstep.....in the mountains of southern oregon. Same door step I still refer to as home as it is where I was born and raised.

Lind Cabin & deck -- in the daisies.

I did my traditional walk through the forest to pick my mom a bouquet for the kitchen table for Mothers Day.














Wild Iris and Mariposa Lilies.........ahhhhhh


.....and the ever-delicate lady slipper orchid of Oregon's western forests.

#5 ODE to Oregon's Spring

Goose-babes!


So soft and silly -- and always a mark of spring along the Willamette River.


Just as cute as can be!!!

Awaiting the arrival (hatching) of the ducklings........

#4 ODE -- FOOD

Plentiful rain, the rich soils of the southern Willamette Valley, lengthening day light, and temperate weather give us bounty beyond -- even in May.

Eugene, Oregon's outdoor Farmer's Market (May 5, 2009) -- 3 days a week from today through November.
ORGANIC!!!











As yummy as they look .............. the first locally grown organic strawberries of the season!!!

#3 ODE to Oregon's Spring

Tulip and trees



Dogwood in white and pink -- full bloom (one of my favorites)













A blanket of snow (pink blossom pedals)
And a bleeding heart in the rain .................................

#2 ODE to Oregon's Spring

EARLY MORNING RAIN --

The air is thick and wet, yet warm.......and everything is fresh. The world feels washed clean and fed all at the same time.

#1 ODE to Oregon's Spring

I am completely taken/inspired by western Oregon's spring BURST every year. Just my daily bike ride along the Willamette River is filled with blooms-a-plenty.



In appreciation -- and for anyone that doesn't get the absolute pleasure of experiencing it in person -- I will be posting a serious of "Ode to Oregon's Spring" pictures over the next few weeks.



I am aware that many of Oregon's spring blooms have already graced us because the season starts early here (crocus by mid-late Feb). But, it is a long lush season ....... so I will begin today!