Spring time in the Pacific Northwest

I'm so excited that Spring has decided to arrive a little early this year and as far as I'm concerned the earlier the better! We have what is considered to be a temperate climate here in Portland, Oregon. We enjoy (don't always use this adjective) our fair share of rain during the winter and spring months, but of course this is why we have such lush green vegetation all around us. Because of our climate we can grow a huge variety of plants, which is certainly right up my alley!

When I moved to my current house, I created a good size flower bed just outside my studio window, where I am able to view it perfectly. I have a nice mix of perennial flowers and herbs and I plug in some flowering annuals every year as well. Currently in full bloom, there are muscari or grape hyacinth, daffodils, blue hyacinth, snow drops, pansies and primroses. I'm just so thrilled to once again be able to look out my window and see some color again. Later this month I will be attending the Woodburn tulip festival, where many acres of various tulips will be in full bloom, it is truly spectacular!! The pictures below were taken there and at Skagit valley.

Skagit Valley Tulip Fields!!

I lived in Seattle for about eight years, during that time I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Skagit valley tulip festival almost every year! I have to say that it is truly one of the most magnificent sights I've ever seen!

It's best to visit the Tulip Festival during the week when their are less crowds. If you go on the weekends you will deal with more traffic and crowds. Once you get through town and into the tulip field areas, the traffic is not too bad. The Skagit Valley is 60 miles north of Seattle, Washington, 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Traveler’s can take I-5 and then use Exits 221 - 236, all of these exits have tulip brochures at the nearest business.

The tulip fields are spread out over a 15-mile radius and tulip festival events are scattered around the entire county. There are many festival sites, It's a good idea to pick up the free Skagit Valley Tulip Field Map for locations of the tulip fields. Checking out their site and maps will help out in planning your day trip to one of the most colorful and spectacular display in the Northwest corner of Washington State.
If you live in the Northwest or you are visiting the Seattle area during the month of April, I highly recommend a day trip to the Skagit valley!

I think I see Spring time coming..........

I was just outside in my front yard looking at the remainder of yesterdays snow, which was just a light dusting, thankfully. I started taking a closer look at things and then noticed some Spring bulbs poking up through the soil and was suddenly struck with a feeling joy! I am completely in love with Spring time and the hope of renewal and rebirth, and just the sheer awe of watching the natural world come to life again. Though I know it's still a bit early, I am always so glad to see the crocus, daffodils and tulips coming up and that's my sign that old man winter is on his way out, and what a winter we have had here in Portland, Oregon. We received the most snow on record in the last sixty years, which included a snowy stint that lasted for thirteen consecutive days. At one point I became snowbound and could not drive due to living in a very hilly area of town and I just couldn't get in or out of my neighborhood. Of course this happened just before Christmas when I had many orders to ship out, so I was forced to walk 2 miles to the post office, but I digress. On to brighter, warmer days ahead and the days of digging in the dirt again! Come on Spring!!

The first two pics are from the Woodburn, Oregon tulip festival, the last two are from my front yard and were taken this morning.