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Mount Hood Gardens Monthly Newsletter • SEPTEMBER

Fall is in the air, and crisp, delightful mornings are followed by mostly warm afternoons. We have started our fall planting projects, and will be preparing and planting until the end of October. Autumn is a fabulous time for planting in the Columbia River Gorge, as the warm soil and cooler temperatures promote active root growth. The plants will be far more established by next summer than they would be if planted in spring, and nature takes care of the watering until then.

In July, I took a short trip to Germany to visit my parents, family and friends. My sister and I visited a close by beautiful garden center. Surprisingly it was buzzing with activity despite the unusual summer heat. See photos below.

On July 18th the Perennial Plant Association (PPA), one of the professional organizations I belong to, visited Hood River and the Gorge prior to the main international conference that took place in Portland the following week. Over 80 people descended on Mount Hood Gardens. Attendees were very impressed with our colorful stock beds and tidy nursery. They were also taken with the office and my serene studio. Following a delicious lunch at Good News Gardening, we toured the downtown parks designed and installed by us. Participants also had a chance to view the lush, natural plantings at Willow Ponds.

The International Design Award Ceremony took place during the PPA Conference in Portland. Marion and Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge received an Honor Award (1st Place) in the Commercial Division for the design of the magnificent gardens around the bed and breakfast.

Take time to enjoy the ephemeral beauty of autumn, and have fun with your fall gardening projects.