One of my favorite times of year along Oregon’s North Coast is the colorful transitional season between summer and fall.
The deciduous trees begin the transformation into their new, rainbow colors for fall. The skyline provides an abundance of vibrant sunsets, creating the perfect backdrop for evening walks along the beach and photos taken at day’s end.
Even the coastal roadways, Highway 101 included, jump on the rainbow bandwagon this time of year as roadside flower stands fill up with summer dahlias in a multitude of colors, shapes and sizes. Brilliant red buttons, yellow and red collerettes, and fuschia-tipped white cactus dahlias are paired with a variety of lush greenery from local gardens in fresh-picked bouquets.
Want to bring home a colorful bouquet tonight? Most roadside flower stands still operate on the good, old-fashioned honor system. Just pick out your beautiful bundle and drop your small contribution (usually $3 to $5) into the small lockbox nearby. Add a little burst of late summer color to your home today!
Editor’s Note: Most of the flower stands accept cash only, so make sure you have a few bucks in your pocket, in case you see some flowers you just can’t resist on your drive home! Also, be sure to check your flowers for insects before you get in the car. They’re organic–they’ve been sitting outside, unattended for awhile, unlike their counterparts who sit inside a glass-enclosed, sanitized store somewhere.
