Hi All!  Just a quick note to say hello from the annual Perennial Plant Association conference, this year in Portland, Oregon.  This is my first trip to the Pacific Northwest and it has been absolutely beautiful here.  The weather has been stunning (upper 70’s to lower 80’s during the day and 60’s at night), the plant life is unbelievably beautiful and it’s always good to see so many friends who I only get to see a couple of times a year.  Below, you’ll find several photos of some of the beautiful places we’ve had the opportunity to visit this week.

Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls
Mt. Hood, from the city of Hood River
Mt. Hood’s summit at Timberline Lodge
Portland’s Chinese Garden
Portland’s Chinese Garden
Portland’s Chinese Garden
Portland’s Chinese Garden
Terra Nova Nurseries–one of the owners is my good friend Dan Heims, who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since he was showing us his latest Heuchera leaves spread out on the hotel room bed during the conference.  We’ve come a long way since then!
One of Dan’s newest Echinaceas (coneflower) called ‘Daydream’
Dierama ‘Blackbird’.  Unbelievably beautiful and unfortunately one of those plants that most of us don’t live in the right climate to grow–or at least grow well.
And finally, whether you love it or not, Echinacea ‘Pink Poodle’.  More Portland updates to come!