If you have been driving through the countryside in the valley, you may have seen fields full of flowers. This is not the work of a flower fanatic; they are flowers that are grown for their seed. Angela Rose from Silver Falls Seed Company (503-874-8221) showed us some of the varieties that they grow. In the field where she took us we found poppies and godetia. Then we went to the cleaning operation where we saw how they clean, sort and package the seeds they grow. We also learned that since the seeds are grown locally, they are acclimated to the area and you have a better chance for success. You can find Silver Falls Seed at most of the local garden centers in the area, or you can buy them on-line through the Silver Falls website.

This is a perfect kid’s project for those sunny summer days. Amy Bigej from Al’s Garden Center (503-981-1245) found some sun sensitive paper from Educational Innovations, where they have it listed as "nature print paper". This paper changes color when it is exposed to sunlight. Have your kids pick flowers, collect leaves or other interesting things from the garden and then place those things on the paper. Leave the paper out for 2 minutes and then immerse the paper in water. Whatever you had on the paper will now leave its ‘shadow’ on the paper. You can frame the image, make note cards or give them as gifts. It is a great way to get outdoors and save a part of your garden to enjoy year-round.

You can build an award winning flower arrangement with flowers from your garden if you follow a few simple rules. We stopped by the Swan Island Dahlia Festival (800-410-6540) to learn how easy it is to do. The Festival is in full swing and features over 400 cut flower arrangements on display. Heather from Swan Island walked us through the steps of building a great display. First she heat treated the stems in 160-170 degree water, which will make the cut flowers last longer. Then she started with one variety of flower which established the size and height of the arrangement. Then she filled in with the other styles and types of blooms. She even used the discarded stems to add filler to the display. It is very easy to do! If you are looking for ideas or you want to fill your day with color, stop by the Dahlia Festival and check out the display or the fields of color.

This just in to the Garden Time Crew: Due to the wet weather, the Swan Island Dahlia Festival has been extended by one day.  Tuesday, September 8th the display area will stay open from10:00am to 4:00pm.  Don’t miss this last minute chance to see these wonderful cut flower arrangements. 

It is time for fall and that means it is time for the annual Le Tour des Plants event. This 9 day event showcases over 30 garden destinations. We stopped at one of the best places to visit during Le Tour, Bauman’s Farm and Garden (503-792-3524) to see what he has planned this year. First of all, he has stocked his garden center area with tons of plants that are perfect for fall from Proven Winners. Then he pointed out a wonderfully sculptured pine that can be purchased for only $25 with your new Bauman Rewards Card. This card is being offered and it comes loaded with great discounts! Finally we moved over to the huge display of colorful plants. This area was a plant trial of new plant varieties that Brian is thinking of carrying in the garden center next year. People can stop by and vote on their favorite and the top vote getters will be in the garden center in 2010, and you can reserve one of your favorites for next spring too. Also, during the Le Tour event, Bauman’s will be hosting a ton of clients and seminars that cover topics as wide ranging as mole traps and cooking classes. Check out the Bauman website for all their activities or the Le Tour des Plants website for seminars and activities around the state.

As we grow older it is important that we stay active to remain happy and healthy. For many senior citizens, gardening is a great way to do that. To help celebrate seniors and gardening the Legacy Health System Horticultural Therapy department, Home Instead and Portland Nursery on Division (503-788-9000) have joined together to provide a day filled with music, fun activities and good times for any senior that can stop by. Teresia Hazen from Legacy stopped by to show us some of the activities and explain why this event is so important to our local seniors. It is also a great way to introduce some to the joys of gardening. Visitors can enjoy hands-on planting stations, where they can take a pot with bulbs home or even create a unique bookmark. There are light snacks, live music and even specials on plants for seniors. If you are a senior citizen, stop on by on Wednesday September 9th from 1-5 pm, get a little dirt under your nails and enjoy the benefits of gardening