Seasonal beauty

Though we are all thoroughly sick of rain here in western Oregon, I have to say the flowers are glorious this year. The rhododendrons and azaleas have been lush and exuberant. One of my favorites that blooms a little later than most are deciduous azaleas, which are notable for their brilliant color. This orange one in my yard is gorgeous!

 

There is a wetland area near my house that I drive past frequently. The last two springs I have noticed what look like yellow irises growing in the water. Today I stopped with my camera.

They are, indeed, irises and are amazing. I learned that in Oregon and many states they are classified as "noxious weeds." According the Oregon State University Extension service site "It is invasive and out-competes native riparian vegetation, including cattails, sedges and rushes, and it degrades native fish habitat, as well as bird nesting and rearing sites." How sad to think something this beautiful is actually destructive.

Yesterday several of the STASH members, including myself, drove over to Tillamook, Oregon to see an exhibit of Cynthia Corbin's work at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center.   Cynthia's work is wonderful and the sun was shining in Tillamook and the company was great and we stopped for ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese factory. It was a nice break! If you are near enough to see the show at the Latimer I recommend it highly. If not, at least take a look at her web site. You are in for a treat.