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Japanese Healing Gardens
I recently joined a guided tour of two Japanese Healing Gardens in Lebanon, Oregon. Both gardens were designed by Hoichi Kurisu. The first garden is located in a courtyard inside the grounds of the local hospital. It is a peaceful place for patients, staff, visitors and the public at large. Seating areas include a covered… Continue reading
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Northwestern Garter Snake
It’s Meteorological Fall in the northern hemisphere and here in Western Oregon it feels like Fall. Temperatures are a bit chillier, nights are longer, a few leaves are turning, and today, right now, it is RAINING! Our Fall rains have arrived early, but are very welcome after a hot and dry summer. With the rains… Continue reading
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Refuge…
I recently attended an art show at our local historical museum. The show was titled “Refuge: Where Life Endures.” The art pieces and queries have been bouncing around in my head ever since, with the growing thought that I might create a post about it. Reflecting on the 250th anniversary today of this nation’s founding,… Continue reading
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Two Gardens/Nurseries
I visited two gardens during a recent hot spell. It was hot, humid and the light was very bright. It was also a great opportunity to observe drought tolerant plantings thriving in such conditions. Shade plants and creative garden miscellany also caught my eye. The first garden was Northwest Garden Nursery located outside of Eugene,… Continue reading
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Nature in paved places
Lately, I have really taken notice of the abundance and astounding resilience of Nature in paved places. It is a joy to discover new plants; to see what has popped up in the last week, what is now blooming, what looks like it may bloom soon. Sometimes evidence of animal presence shows itself; birds pecking… Continue reading
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Observing
Lens-Artists: I have been following the Lens-Artist Challenges on WordPress for awhile, and this week decided to participate. The Lens-Artists (a group of photographers) share a challenge related to photography each week. This week Egidio Leitao of Through Brazilian Eyes gave us the challenge of observing and photographing from one location (i.e. “stuck in place”)… Continue reading
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Eastern Cottontail in Oregon…
Observations can lead to pondering, questions, then research. Such is the case with my recent observations of the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit in Oregon. “Why are there EASTERN Cottontails in Oregon?” A bit of internet sleuthing led to information that they were introduced to Benton County in 1937 and Linn County in 1941. Although I didn’t… Continue reading
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The Oregon Garden
I was recently in the Silverton area and made a point to visit The Oregon Garden. It had been years since I’d been there and it has certainly grown, now housing over 20 “themed gardens.” A vision of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, it showcases a variety of plants from around the world. It also… Continue reading
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Putting down roots in new places…
Saturday, I donated the last of the plants/pots from the Rooted Habitat to a local benefit plant sale. After nearly three years of this habitat garden, the plants and pots have found new homes. This wonderful project was a key part of my healing from Long Covid. The habitat brought me joy, purpose, new learning,… Continue reading
