Mom in Town: Day 1

Iris fields (above) and curated garden (below)

We started the day by going to Schreiner's Gardens which was fitting because the last time mom visited, it was later in the spring and the gardens had already faded and closed.  We did it perfectly because we parked and went out into the fields where the iris are grown.  It was very beautiful, but not hugely exciting.  When we walked back to the car, we realized there was a curated garden on the other side of the farm which turned out to be the star of the show and which wasn't limited to just iris.

Emma's Dorm at Oregon State University

After the iris gardens, mom and I drove down to Corvallis to pick up Emma for the weekend.  After a few pictures at Emma's dorm, we drove up to Marys Peak to see wildflowers and to hike up to the peak.  It was a clear day, but there was too much pollen and dust in the air to clearly see most of the peaks in the Cascades.  And the coast was foggy which prevented us from seeing the ocean.

On top of Marys Peak with Emma

Parker Creek and Falls on Marys Peak

But the wildflowers, a few birds, lots of fresh air and sunshine were all there for us and we took lots of pictures!

View from Marys Peak to the south (above) and east (below)

Parker Falls (above) and Indian paintbrush (below)

spreading phlox on Marys Peak