Hi All, Lane County Extension service Master Gardener John Fischer here with a bonus edition of Good Gardening where there's no work for you and a great visual payoff anyway.
There are places I rarely go to look at flowers. But the bike path along I-5 near the Gateway overpass can be stunning. Stunningly noisy because of trucks, motorcycles, and cars. And stunningly beautiful because of the roses planted along the path.
I don't know if it is a city, or state project, but in a few weeks, thousands of red and white blossoms will open, and while the freeway drivers are busy paying attention to traffic - I hope - a cyclist or pedestrian can take in the sight, and scent of the roses - despite the background noise.
Roseburg has had similar rose displays along the freeway for decades. And Oregon is not alone flaunting freeway flower gardens. Texas has a long history of making freeway right of ways into wildflower wonderlands. The most iconic flower is the bluebonnet, but other wildflowers like Indian paintbrush, pink evening primrose, and winecup can be seen there for another month. I remember seeing them as a kid. If you're not planning to be in Texas, take a look at some internet pictures - they are stunning. Meanwhile, in Oregon, the displays are just getting started.
Of course the Owens Rose Garden gives you more variety, with less noise, and provides a display for a longer time. But for pure volume of blooms, take a walk on the noisy side - of I-5 for a fine floral display that might inspire you with ideas to fill in a space in your yard.
I'm John Fischer with Good Gardening - the no work for you edition.
