Crystal Springs and Schreiner’s Gardens

We’re scheduling an outing to two gorgeous gardens in the Willamette Valley. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Schreiner’s Iris Garden are reaching their potential. Schreiner’s opens for public viewing a week early, starting on May 1 since the irises are blooming earlier. They should be approaching peak. Crystal Springs staff told me that they have two rhododendron bloom of the season. The first blooms are fading. Regarding the second bloom, their website reports today: "Most rhododendrons are fully bloomed or about to open up."

It should be a great time this visit each garden.

ABOUT THE GARDENS

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Southeast Portland provides nearly 10 acres of wooded landscapes alongside Crystal Springs Lake which draws a variety of birds like bald eagles and waterfowl like the dramatic wood duck. Many of the waterfowl are habituated to people for easier closeups. Waterfalls and fountains along the grounds complement the blossoms for a variety of beautiful compositions.

https://csrgpdx.org/

The Schreiner’s Iris Garden, about 5 miles north of downtown Salem, has been cultivating bearded irises for over 100 years. A ten-acre display garden highlights many of the nearly 800 varieties of irises along with daylilies, allium, and other garden favorites. The formal arrays in the display garden are tastefully accented with comfortable, colorful seating to make for a pleasing environment to view the multitude of varieties.

https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/iris-bloom-season

Look at the photo album for this trip to see images from previous outings
to these locations.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSIDERATIONS

A variety of lenses could be useful for composing landscape images, closeups, and for photographing the birds at Crystal Springs. A tripod with shutter release would be helpful along with polarizing filters to maximize options photographing the water. If your camera has the ability to internally focus stack images, please review documentation on that feature before you attend.
As usual, make sure you have fresh batteries and empty camera
cards for the day.

TENTATIVE TIMETABLE

06:45am Meet in the parking near ‘Crumbl Cookies’ in
Cascade Village Shopping Center
07:00am Leave for Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Portland
10:00am Arrive at Crystal Springs
1:00pm Leave for Lunch. Location TBD by attendees
2:15pm Leave for Schreiner’s Iris Garden, Salem
3:00pm Arrive at Schreiner’s
5:00pm Depart Schreiner’s for Bend

COSTS

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: $9; $8 Seniors
Schreiner’s Iris Garden: Weekday: $8 door
Lunch: Varies