May 22, 2013
The cool weather and rain yesterday sure put a damper on gardening here in western Oregon. Even though we love the warm, dry spring days we've had, we farmers are grateful for the rain, as we’ve had a very dry spring. The high temperature of the day was 54 degrees - downright chilly with the rain. Some of you were brave to venture out in the morning and early afternoon; but when the showers intensified after 2:00 pm, most gardeners opted for indoor activities. If you care to join me today, we should have some breaks from the rain. It will be another cool day, so bring that warm jacket, a hat and boots, just in case.
Cheddar Surprise, Frances Willard, Leona Weinberger, Myra McRae, Princess Margaret, Sorbet, White Cap are blooming now. They join over 100 other peony varieties in bloom this week. Many of the very sweetly fragrant and full double peonies are blooming. The reds, such as Command Performance, Illini Warrior, Henry Bockstoce, Many Happy Returns and Topeka Garnet are catching everyone’s eye in the field.
Some folks are already stopping by to pick up flowers for Memorial Day decorating. We’ll have plenty of cut flowers and offer special discounts on cut peonies through next Monday.
The rain didn’t stop this beautiful iris in our Historic iris garden from looking grand!