EXPERIENCE LANE COUNTY

BEST Spring Gardens

BY TAJ BARNHART MORGAN

PRINGTIME GARDENS ARE FULL of green sprouts, buds and sweet surprises. As we eagerly await blooming flowers and S blue skies, we can find joy in puddle jumping through these family-friendly gardens.

ALL PHOTOS BY MELANIE GRIFFIN / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

1HENDRICKS PARK - EUGENE. Hendricks Park showcases rhododendrons and other native plants. The rhododendrons peak in May, making that the most colorful month. Hendricks Park features large open lawns perfect for spreading a picnic blanket on an afternoon in the spring sunshine. Narrow paths crisscross the hillside and the garden area.

2DELTA PONDS - EUGENE. Built around the natural Delta Ponds, this wetlands wildlife sanctuary is a wilderness garden. Wander the paths around the ponds and over bridges to admire nature in its undisturbed state. The water and shorelines are home to herons, geese, ducks, turtles, beavers, otters and nutria.

3OWEN ROSE GARDEN - EUGENE. Still waking up in spring, the eight acre Owen Rose Garden may not yet be fully in bloom; but the unfurling of every flower is coming! April ushers in the first cherry blossoms, and in May early roses start to flourish. Combine an outing to the Owen Rose Garden with play at Skinner Butte Park and RiverPlay Playground.

4ALTON BAKER PARK - EUGENE. Alton Baker Park features riverfront paths, ponds, a solar system installation, the Kalapuya Talking Stones, a native plant nursery and the Nobel Peace Park monument. Stroll around the edges of the pond as the cherry trees start to blossom. Large stepping stones across the water lead to a little landscaped island.

5PISGAH ARBORETUM - EUGENE. The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is excellent for all-season hiking. Trails wind through meadows, oak savannas, woodlands and along the river. Informative artwork makes the tour interactive, plus discover the experiential wetlands exhibit and the cedar exhibit. A field trip favorite, the Mount Pisgah Arboretum is fun and educational.

6RUFF PARK & MAGNOLIA ARBORETUM - SPRINGFIELD. When the magnolia trees start to bloom in April, Ruff Park is a splendid place to visit. Over 400 magnolia trees comprise the ten-acre arboretum in addition to other ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers. The paved pathways provide an easy route for wheelchairs and strollers. There are picnic tables, interpretive signs and wide open lawns.

7GARDEN LAKE PARK - CRESWELL. Fish from the small dock at Garden Lake Park. Visit the interpretative pavilion to learn about the 33 acre habitat. To make a garden stroll here perfect, pick up a picnic lunch from the nearby Creswell Bakery.

8BELKNAP HOT SPRINGS RESORT’S SECRET GARDEN MCKENZIE RIVER. Moss-covered, damp and mysterious, the “Secret Garden” at the Belknap Hot Springs Resort is a fun visit. Ramble the riverfront path and hiking trails through open meadows and shady woods. Then soak in their hot springs-fed swimming pool. (Note: only children ages 5+ allowed in the pool.) Make it a retreat and stay overnight in the lodge, a cabin or campsite.

9DARLINGTONIA WAYSIDE - FLORENCE. A short interpretive boardwalk overlooks an 18-acre preserve of carnivorous Darlingtonia, or “Cobra Lily”. A rare carnivorous flora; the Darlingtonia attracts and traps insects, which dissolve inside its stalk and are absorbed by the plant. This unusual flower is striking to observe year round, but in the spring it blooms with purplish petals for an even more dramatic appeal.

It’s that time of year to start bringing your own yard to life. Explore the possibilities with a pleasant trip to a local nursery or gardening goods store.

Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gift - Eugene. Down to Earth is has classic gardening tools, organic supplies and nursery plants. Their website also offers plenty of “how-to” articles and gardening tips.

Wild Birds Unlimited - Eugene. Enhance your garden with birdsong! Wild Birds Unlimited has a large selection of bird feeders, bird feed and bird baths.

Territorial Seed Company - Cottage Grove. Territorial Seed Company is a gardener classic. Purchase their quality, organic seeds, starts and supplies online or in person. Their website includes garden plans from around the world, videos and tools for keeping track of your own plot. ✦

PHOTO: SALLY MCALEER / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST