Blog by Karen Metz
We had another opportunity to visit the Oregon Gardens in Silverton, Oregon. We had never visited the gardens this late in the fall. This visit was also special because we were able to enter the garden several hours before the general public arrived. The fog had just burned off, and the stillness was profound. As things warmed up, we heard and saw many more birds than on previous visits. Multiple hummingbirds were swooping and exploring. Other birds were feasting on berries.
Although there were some plants in flower, they took a backseat to the changing leaves, the numerous seed heads, berries, and rosehips. The seed heads varied tremendously in color and texture. Silver grass had a simple elegance compared to the flaming maple seedheads called samaras. And then there was the complex ball-like shape of the Liquidambar styraciflua, also called Sweetgum. We saw berries of all colors, from white on a Holly variety to red to vivid magenta of Callicarpa americana, American beauty berry. There were even deep purple berries on a vine covering an arbor.
The golden autumn light also highlighted spider webs and the variegated evergreens. It ended up being such a magical experience, showing us that each season has its delights.
