Spring in the Skagit Valley of Washington

While working on a project for the newly launched Bindu Trips site, I came across these beautiful photos from tulip time in the Skagit Valley.

It's a time right now of wildfires and smoke in much of the Pacific Northwest. I hope looking at these photos taken under a clear blue sky will remind all of us that this beauty is just around the corner. There is so much to do and see in the Pacific Northwest. Have a look at the new Bindu Trips and start planning!

The brilliance of the tulip fields in the Mt. Vernon area and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival are worth putting on your spring to-visit list.

Schreiner's Iris Gardens: Open for the season on May 6th 2016 (List of Events)

Bloom season at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens is each year in May. This year, the gardens are open May 6^th – May 31^st.   

For only a few short weeks a year, Schreiner’s opens the doors to their spectacular Iris farm to the public for free self-guided tours. Stroll the 10-acre display gardens and take in the sight and fragrance of over 500 named Irises in full bloom. During bloom season, the gardens are open from dawn to dusk; gift shop and cut flowers open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hundreds of cut Iris stems will be on display as part of the Schreiner's Cut Flower Show; open daily during bloom season. Schreiner's Gift Shop will be filled with treasures and gardening delights for Iris lovers.  Fresh-cut Iris stems available for purchase every day. During the four-week bloom season, Schreiner's will host special events, including wine and liqueur and live demonstrations, every weekend.

Here’s their list of special events:

Title:   Schreiner’s Iris Gardens Bloom Season 2016

When/Where:           May 6 – May 31, 2016. Gardens and Cut Flower Show open daily from dawn to dusk; gift shop open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., cut flowers available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: Tour Schreiner's Iris Gardens’ 10-acre display gardens filled with over 500 named Irises. Shop unique gifts in the Gift Shop on site, and place an order for Iris to ship this summer. View hundreds of Irises on display in the Schreiner's Cut Flower Show. Fresh-cut Irises are available for purchase every day.

            Daily 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade, available for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public.

Title:   Opening Weekend with Methven Family Vineyards, Elixir Liqueurs and Spiritopia

When/Where:           Saturday, May 7, 2016. 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: Opening weekend for Schreiner’s Iris Gardens is here! The sun is out and the Irises are exploding with color and vibrancy, inviting everyone to enjoy the ten acres of display gardens. Here to help celebrate opening weekend is Methven Family Vineyards, offering wine tastings for purchase from noon to 5 p.m. Elixir, with their Iris and orange liqueur, and Spiritopia, with their premium apple and ginger liqueurs, will offer tastings for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine or a sipper of liqueur while strolling through the beautiful gardens. Join us 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for How to Dig & Divide Iris Demonstration. This live demonstration and discussion will review the proper time and technique for digging and separating Iris. It’s easier than you think! Free demonstration, open to all. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at www.methvenfamilyvineyards.com. Information on Elixir can be found at www.elixir-us.com, and more about Spiritopia is at  www.spiritopia.com.

            Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Demonstration is free and open to all. Wine and liqueur tastings for nominal fee.

Title:   Celebrating All Mothers at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens

When/Where:           Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: We are inviting all mothers to celebrate with us at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens. Our special gift to these amazing mothers is a FREE cut stem of Iris, while supplies last. Also enjoy sipping delicious wines and liqueur from Methven Family Vineyards and Spiritopia as you stroll through the ten acres of beautiful Iris gardens. Tastings of Methven’s wines are available for purchase noon to 5 p.m. and premium artisan apple liqueur and ginger liqueur tastings, by Spiritopia, for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at methvenfamilyvineyards.com and to find out more about Spiritopia visit spiritopia.com.

            Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine and liqueur tastings for nominal fee.

Title:   Tastings and Iris Demos in the Gardens

When/Where:           Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: Enjoy the wonderful smells and the beautiful colors of 10 acres of iris as you sip a sample of local micro-brew from Gilgamesh Brewing (www.gilgameshbrewing.com), or of a unique liqueur. Elixir, with their Iris and orange liqueurs, and Spiritopia, with their premium apple and ginger liqueurs, will offer tastings for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a sipper of liqueur while strolling through the beautiful gardens. Join us 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for How to Dig & Divide Iris Demonstration. This live demonstration and discussion will review the proper time and technique for digging and separating Iris. It’s easier than you think! Free demonstration, open to all. To find out more about on Elixir visit www.elixir-us.com, and for more info about Spiritopia visit www.spiritopia.com.

            Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Iris Demo free of charge. Tastings for nominal fee.

Title:   Tastings in the Gardens

When/Where:           Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: Take in all the wonderful smells and the beautiful unique colors of our 10 acres of iris as you sip a sample of local micro-brew from Gilgamesh Brewing (www.gilgameshbrewing.com), or a sample of the premium artisan apple liqueur and ginger liqueur, by Spiritopia for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. To find out more about Spiritopia visit www.spiritopia.com.

            Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Liqueur and micro-brew tasting for nominal fee.

Title:   Celebrate Keizer Iris Fest at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens!

When/Where:           Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: There is no better place to celebrate Keizer Iris Fest than with us, at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens. Enjoy the 10-acre display garden in full bloom as you enjoy a sample of local micro-brew from Gilgamesh Brewing (www.gilgameshbrewing.com), or of a unique liqueur. Elixir, with their Iris and orange liqueurs, and Spiritopia, with their premium apple and ginger liqueurs, will offer tastings for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. To find out more about Elixir visit www.elixir-us.com, and for more info about Spiritopia visit www.spiritopia.com.Also here to celebrate the day is Bellows & Squawk sharing their unique interpretations of neglected gems from the American Song Book from noon to 1 p.m. From 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. check out the How to Dig & Divide Iris Demonstration live demonstration and discussion. We will review the proper time and technique for digging and separating Iris. It’s easier than you think! Free demonstration, open to all. Join us 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as special guest Sue Bielemeier of Green Thumb Florist provides free demonstration on flower arranging with a focus on the use of Iris in your arrangements. Also out to enjoy the fun and to ensure you don’t leave hungry is St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Liqueur and micro-brew tasting are available for nominal fee.

Title:   Willamette Wanderers’ Iris Festival and Flower Walk

When/Where:           Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: We at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens are excited to welcome back the Willamette Wanderers joining us for their Iris Festival and Flower Walk! There will be a self-guided 5K and 10K walk available. Registration will be held at the Display Gardens beginning at 9 a.m. For more information about this event please visit their website at www.willwander.weebly.com/walk-wus.html.  Enjoy the 10-acre display garden in full bloom as you enjoy a sample of local micro-brew from Gilgamesh Brewing (www.gilgameshbrewing.com), or of a unique liqueur. Spiritopia, with their premium apple and ginger liqueurs, will offer tastings for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. To find out more about Spiritopia visit www.spiritopia.com.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Walk is free, unless you wish to have IVV/AVA credit.

Title:   4^th Annual Art & Wine in the Gardens

When/Where:           Saturday to Monday, May 28 to 30, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

What: Celebrate this 3-day weekend with amazing art, excellent wine, a local micro-brew, artisan liqueurs, and so much more! Artists from around the valley will join us in the gardens to display and sell their works of art. Many of these artists have been painting in the Display Gardens for years; all will have Iris-themed work on display and for sale. Grab a glass of wine or a sip of liqueur, or a taste of micro-brew, and browse the amazing array of art among the Irises. Methven Family Vineyards is offering tastings of their favorite wines Gilgamesh Brewing, Elixir Liqueur with their Iris and orange liqueurs (Saturday only), and Spiritopia with their premium artisan apple liqueur and ginger liqueur will also pour tastings, for purchase noon to 5:00 p.m. Join us Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for How to Dig & Divide Iris Demonstration. This live demonstration and discussion will review the proper time and technique for digging and separating Iris. It’s easier than you think! Free demonstration, open to all. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at methvenfamilyvineyards.com. More about Gilgamesh at www.gilgameshbrewing.com; Elixir is at www.elixir-us.com, Spiritopia is at www.spiritopia.com.

            Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine, beer and liqueur tasting are available for a nominal fee.

Title:   Schreiner's Iris Gardens’ Annual Memorial Day Celebration

When/Where:           Monday, May 30, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

            Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem Oregon, 97303

What: Join us for our Schreiner's Iris Gardens’ Memorial Day Chicken BBQ featuring the culinary delights of the Gervais Knights of Columbus, $11 per plate, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will also have artists from around the valley joining us in the gardens to display and sell their works of art. Many of these artists have been painting in the Display Gardens for years; all will have Iris-themed work on display and for sale. Methven Family Vineyards is offering tastings of their favorite wines for purchase from noon to 5 p.m. Gilgamesh Brewing, a local micro-brewery, and Spiritopia, with their premium artisan apple liqueur and ginger liqueur, will also offering tastings for purchase noon to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy live music from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. by Fadin’ by 9 – and of course, acres of Irises! Read more about the band at www.fadinby9.com. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at methvenfamilyvineyards.com. Gilgamesh Brewing is at www.gilgameshbrewing.com, and to find out more about Spiritopia visit www.spiritopia.com.

            Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Edward’s Not the Same Old Grind beverage cart will serve warm and cold espresso drinks, smoothies, water, tea and lemonade for purchase. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Edward Youth Ministry, St. Edward Knights of Columbus and St. Edward. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:    The gardens and music performance are free and open to the public. The chicken BBQ is $11. Wine, beer and liqueurs available for a nominal fee.

Woodland's Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens May be in Bloom Early

It is March and after an unusually warm winter, the early lilacs at the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens are already showing some color.   Garden volunteers believe the lilacs may be in full bloom by mid-April or perhaps earlier.  However, if there is a cold snap the bloom may be slightly later into late April. 

The gardens are certainly open for Lilac Days 2015 – April 18th to May 10th.

Hours are: 10am to 4pm.

Lilac Days are an event I look forward to. Visitors can tour the Hulda Klager home, spend time in the beautiful gardens and purchase plants, including established lilac plants to benefit the gardens. Be sure and bring your camera!

The Lilac Gardens are located off I-5 exit 21, 30 minutes north of Portland, Oregon or 2.5 hours south of Seattle, Washington at 115 South Pekin Road, Woodland, Washington 98674. The Gardens are open to the public most days of the year from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with a $3.00 gate fee payable at the gate.

More Information
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

Schreiner's Iris Gardens near Salem, Oregon 2014 Events: So Little Time and So Much To Do

Note: Find 2015 Events Here.  

Since 1925, Schreiner's Iris Gardens has been the nation's largest retail grower of Irises, with more than 200 acres of Irises and a 10-acre display garden that hosts more than 500 named Irises. Over three generations of Iris growers, Schreiner's has received numerous Iris awards, including the highest award, the Dykes Memorial Medal, 11 times. Schreiner's Irises are considered by collectors to be among the finest in the world. Every year from the beginning of May to the first weekend in June, during the Iris Bloom Season, the Schreiner family delights in opening their garden to visitors

For only a few short weeks a year, Schreiner’s opens the doors of their spectacular Iris farm to the public for free. Meander the 10-acre display gardens and take in the sight and fragrance of over 500 named Irises in full bloom. During bloom season, the gardens are open from dawn to dusk; gift shop and cut flowers open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hundreds of cut Iris stems will be on display as part of the Schreiner's Cut Flower Show, open daily during bloom season. Schreiner's Gift Shop offers Iris-themed treasures and gardening delights for Iris lovers.  Fresh-cut Iris stems will be available for purchase every day. During the four-week bloom season, Schreiner's will host special events every weekend for visitors of all ages. 

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens Bloom Season 2014

May 9 - June 1, 2014. Gardens open daily from dawn to dusk; gift shop, cut flowers, and flower show available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Tour Schreiner's Iris Gardens 10-acre display gardens filled with over 500 named Irises. Shop the award-winning Irises and gift shop. View hundreds of Irises on display in the Schreiner's Cut Flower Show. Fresh-cut Irises are available for purchase every day. Every weekend, Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public.

Opening Day with Elixir’s Iris Liqueur

Friday, May 9, 2014. 10 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

The sun is shining, the Irises are blooming, and we get to open our doors to the community to present the wonder and beauty of our 10 acre display gardens. This is by far our favorite time of year! We look forward to seeing you this weekend as we kick off Opening Weekend with a special tasting of Elixir’s Iris Liqueur from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Noted for its sophisticated botanical flavors, Elixir’s Iris Liqueur is derived from pure Iris roots. To find out more about Elixir, please contact them at contact@elixir-us.com or (541) 345-2257. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Liqueur is available for a nominal fee per glass.

Wine Tasting in the Gardens with Methven Family Vineyards

Saturday, May 10, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Celebrate Schreiner’s Iris Gardens’ opening weekend by sipping amazing wines brought to you by Methven Family Vineyards as you stroll through the 10 acres of beautiful Iris gardens. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at www.methvenfamilyvineyards.com. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine is available for a nominal fee per glass. 

Mother’s Day Celebration with Flowers and Wine

Sunday, May 11, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Inviting all mothers—and YOU—to join us in celebrating the season-opening weekend of Schreiner’s Iris Gardens! All mothers will receive a FREE cut stem of Iris, while supplies last.  Methven Family Vineyards will be joining in the celebration as well, offering wine tasting from noon to 5 p.m. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at www.methvenfamilyvineyards.com. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine is available for a nominal fee per glass.

Wine Tasting & Floral Arranging Demonstration

Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Celebrate the Keizer Iris Festival with us at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens! Enjoy our 10 acres of beautiful Iris gardens as you sip amazing wines brought to you by Tartan Cellars, Noon to 5:00 p.m. This young local winery is making quite a name for itself including write ups in The Oregonian. Learn floral arranging with Sue Beilemeier from Green Thumb Flower Box Florist in Salem. A free demo will be held at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Cut Flower Show area.

To find out more about Tartan Cellears, please visit their website at www.tartancellars.com. To see samples of Green Thumb Flower Box Florist designs, visit their website at www.greenthumbflowerboxflorist.com. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine is available for a nominal fee per glass.

Iris Festival and Flower Walk

Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens are excited to have the Willamette Wanderers joining them for  Iris Festival and Flower Walk! There will be a 5K and 10K walk available. Registration will be held at the Display Gardens beginning at 9 a.m. For more information about this event please visit their website at www.willwander.weebly.com/walk-wus.html. 

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Walk is free, $3 fee if you wish to have IVV/AVA credit.

Wine Tasting in the Iris Gardens with Tartan Cellars

Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Celebrate the Keizer Iris Festival with us here at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens! Enjoy our 10 acres of beautiful Iris gardens as you sip amazing wines brought to you by Tartan Cellars, Noon to 5:00 p.m. This young local winery is making quite a name for itself including write ups in The Oregonian. To find out more about Tartan Cellars, please visit their website at www.tartancellars.com. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine is available for a nominal fee per glass.

2^nd Annual Art, Wine, Cheese, and Liqueur in the Gardens

Saturday to Monday, May 24 to 26, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

We are invoking all the senses with this special weekend-long event! Artists from around the valley will join us in the gardens to display and sell their works of art. Many of these artists have been painting in the Display Gardens for years; all will have iris-themed work on display and for sale. Grab a glass of wine, a sampling of cheese or a tasting of Iris liqueur and browse the world of art among the Irises. Wine is available for purchase Saturday through Monday from the beautiful Methven Family Vineyards between noon and 5 p.m. Cheese sampling is available by delicious Willamette Valley Cheese Co. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Elixir will be joining us on Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with their unique Iris Liqueur. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at www.methvenfamilyvineyards.com. To find out more about Willamette Valley Cheese Co. visit their website at http://www.wvcheeseco.com/. To find out more about Elixir, please contact them at contact@elixir-us.com or (541) 345-2257. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine and liqueur tasting is available for a nominal fee per glass.

Schreiner's Iris Gardens’ Annual Memorial Day Celebration

Monday, May 26, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem Oregon, 97303

Join us for our Schreiner's Iris Gardens’ Memorial Day Chicken BBQ featuring the culinary delights of the Gervais Knights of Columbus, $11 per plate, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will also have artists from around the valley joining us in the gardens to display and sell their works of art. Many of these artists have been painting in the Display Gardens for years; all will have iris-themed work on display and for sale. Wine from Methven Family Vineyards will be available for purchase from noon to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy live music from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. by the Capital City Jazz Band – and of course, acres of Irises! Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase. To find out more about Methven Family Vineyards, please visit their website at www.methvenfamilyvineyards.com.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. There is a fee for wine tasting and dinners.

Iris Garden Photography Workshop with Nikon and Pro Photo Supply

Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

We are honored to host Pro Photo Supply’s workshop Iris Garden Photography. Get hands-on instruction in the Schreiner’s Iris Gardens’ Display Garden with Nikon and Pro Photo Supply. Learn how to use macro and wide angle lenses for close-up and landscape photography, how to frame and compose your shots, and how a tripod can help you get sharper images and better composition. The day will start out with a discussion on lens choice, focusing and composure, then move out to the gardens for a hands-on shooting experience with Nikon representatives and staff from Pro Photo Supply. Pro Photo Supply encourages each attendee to bring their own equipment, however, we will have Nikon SLR cameras and lenses on-hand to try out and use. Tripods will also be on-hand for use and discounted for sale that day. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      Workshop cost is $20. Register at http://www.prophotosupply.com/p-events.htm#May

Wine Tasting in the Iris Gardens with Tartan Cellars

Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

Enjoy our 10 acres of beautiful Iris gardens as you sip amazing wines brought to you by Tartan Cellars, Noon to 5:00 p.m. This young local winery is making quite a name for itself including write ups in The Oregonian. To find out more about Tartan Cellars, please visit their website at www.tartancellars.com. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public. Wine is available for a nominal fee per glass.

Gift Shop Discount Days

Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, Oregon, 97303

With the last weekend of the 2014 Bloom Season upon us we are holding Gift Shop Discount Days. As you enjoy the acres of Irises, stop by our gift shop and find wonderful gifts and keepsakes for you and your loved ones at discount prices. Don’t forget to pick up an Iris bouquet. Every weekend Coffee In Motion’s coffee cart will join us with warm coffee, chilled smoothies and snacks for purchase. The Mt. Angel Sausage Co. cart will also join us with their amazing sausages, curly fries, delicious elephant ears and soft drinks for purchase.

Cost:      The gardens are free and open to the public.

More Information
Schreiner's Website with Directions
2013 Article and Photographs

All Photographs Copyright Elizabeth R. Rose Photography

Information provided by Schreiner's Iris Farm

It's Tulip Time in Oregon: Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival Opens March 28 2014

Millions of tulip bulbs were planted last fall and will be ready to explode this spring at Iverson Family Farms. It is the Wooden ShoeTulip Festival near Woodburn, March 28 through May 4.  Over 145,000 people are expected to attend Oregon’s largest spring event. They find a whole range of family activities once they arrive on the Festival site.

Festival goers will find acres and acres of colorful tulips and daffodils in various stages of bloom. Attendees can monitor the amount of color in the field by checking the event’s website at www.woodenshoe.com...with extended field hours for season pass holders during peak bloom. The festival’s on-site Display Garden will offer an array of over 100 varieties of tulips for visitors to see and to order.  

Open Everyday

A must see at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is the Dutch themed Gift Shop which is packed with gifts for garden and flower lovers.  The Gift Shop is open before and during the Festival, March 1^st through May 4^th.  Next door to the Gift Shop is the Country Store filled with garden accessories, wooden shoes, and fresh flowers.  Visitors can also enjoy the newly updated Cow Train ($2 per person), the all-new Tulip Express people mover ($3 per person), Children’s Play Area with Ducky Races/slides/swings, photo cut-out boards, on-site food court, and the 4 acre Wooden Shoe Event Garden.

Open Weekends

Discover the Crafters Market Place with handcrafted local favorites, Hauer of the Dawn wine tasting, wooden shoe demonstrations from a real craftsman, steam tractor demonstrations (weather dependant), You-Pick tulip field, Kids Pony Rides ($5, weather dependant), Dutch Sausage from Mt. Angel Sausage Co., and  authentic Mexican food booth (prices vary).  Activities run by MADJEK- Jump Tents & Events  include jump tents, bungie jumper, pony rides, rock wall, and zip line (weather permitting, $3-$7).

New for 2014 Archery Tag: $5 per person - 10 minute game of dodge ball with blunted bows and padded arrows. Paint Ball Tulip Shoot: $5 per person – get aboard at the Color Detonation Station to take an adventurous ride on our all-new Color Blaster Tram to “paint” the tulips -  50 paintballs included in price.

Highlights

-          April 19^th Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30a, 10:30a and 11:30a In the Wooden Shoe Garden (Age Groups: 0‐2, 3‐4,5‐6,7‐8, 9‐11), Come early the egg hunts start on time and don't last long!

-          April 20^th Easter Sunrise Service at 7 am By the tulip fields.

-          April 26^th & 27^th Wine Down from 9am - 6pm -  In the Tulip field by the windmill: local wine, beer, and entertainment

-          May 3^rd – Farm Loop Dinner from 5:30pm - 8:30pm - Reservation and ticket required per person, located in Wooden Shoe Garden.

Admission:         Daily (including weekends) - $5 per bike or motorcycle, $10 per carload daily, $20 per buses everyday, $30 season passes on sale until March 28.  Admission price for all ticket levels include parking and admission for all occupants in vehicle.

Address: 33814 South Meridian Road, Woodburn, Oregon 97071

Directions: Take the I-5 freeway to the Woodburn exit 271.  Travel east towards  Molalla on Hwy. 211 for 6 miles to the flashing yellow light at  Meridian Road.  Turn right (south) on Meridian Road and travel two  (2) miles.  The entrance to Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is on the left. 

      

More Information: The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm website is www.woodenshoe.com .  Or call toll-free 1-800-711-2006 for more information.