Trip Report
It was raining as we left Eugene at 8:00 from V.R.C. However, our bus driver remarked that it never rains on Obsidian bus trips, and sure enough as we arrived at our rest stop north of Albany there was not a drop and it was dry all day although somewhat cloudy. We continued on I-5 and exited on #263 north of Salem, going through Brooks and a few miles further we arrived at Adelmann Gardens where there are breathtaking peonies of over 100-plus varieties including pinks, blushes, reds, bi-colors and a new, very expensive yellow, mostly in full bloom. Much information was available at the show barn as well as stems for sale. Even one of these full blooming flowers makes a fragrant bouquet. Bare roots could also be ordered for fall planting. Our group just enjoyed walking through the fields or just sitting and enjoying the many intermingled colors.
Leaving the peonies, we drove a few miles on Old Hwy. 99 to Quinaby Road N.E. and Schreiner’s Iris Gardens. Three generations have dedicated their efforts to breeding, growing and bringing to the public the finest iris in the world. The fantastic show garden not only contains iris but every flower imaginable, all in a landscaped area with grassy paths. One artist was painting with water colors. An attractive catalog shows the many varieties for sale and there is a gift shop and plants are for sale. We had lunch at the picnic tables overlooking the show garden.
We drove back to Salem and arrived at the Deepwood Estate and Garden for a tour. This elegant, ornate multi-gabled Queen Anne-style house was built in 1894 and is on the register of historic places. It is now owned by the city of Salem and is managed by the Friends of Deepwood. The 1930s formal English Gardens were created by the Northwest’s first female landscape architecture firm, Lord-Schryver, and includes gazebos, the original carriage house and a nature trail.
After our tour we left for home, stopping at the rest area north of Albany for goodies and coffee and arrived home shortly before 5:00 p.m. Many thanks to the Hospitality Committee and to all who furnished refreshments, and to Marian Borchardt (reservations), also to our driver John Bunker who got us around quickly and safely.
Enjoying the flowers and gardens were Ethel Allen, Marian Borchardt, Ingrid Carmichael, Nicole Chase, Mary Lee Cheadle, Kathy Christian, Marian Duke, Margaret Fea, Dora Harris, Margaret Huston, Pat Iboch, Ray Jensen, Rosella Jones, Dodie Leppmann, Joyce Mixer, Helen Myer, Liz Reanier, Edna Robertson, Nancy Schreiner, Janet Speelman, Doris White, Ellen Zigler and Bette Hack, leader.
